The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued draft procedures and reporting formats for conducting safety audits for battery energy storage system (BESS) plants. The framework proposes mandatory third-party safety audits once every two years for all generating stations operating BESS plants, with audit reports to be submitted directly to the CEA. The authority may also conduct surprise inspections to verify compliance with the prescribed safety requirements.
The draft prescribes a standard audit format covering project details, occupational safety and health systems, technical compliance, observations, recommendations and timelines for corrective actions. Developers will also be required to classify identified risks as low, medium or high and prepare action plans for addressing them. The proposed technical checklist covers site suitability, resilience to extreme weather conditions, fire and explosion protection systems, surge protection, SCADA integration, auxiliary power arrangements and cybersecurity. It also requires verification of real-time monitoring of battery temperature, voltage, humidity and power output. In addition, developers must maintain records relating to equipment certifications, thermal runaway studies, environmental stress testing, protection tests, metering and statutory safety clearances. The draft further prescribes self-certification requirements on key performance and safety parameters. External audit teams must include at least three experts with background in electrical, mechanical and fire and safety engineering, and the audit must include a minimum three-day field inspection.