London s Explosion of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage

In 2016 solar PV registered through the FiT is estimated to have generated 80 gigawatt hours (GWh) in London, 0.2 per cent of the capital's total electricity demand, from a capacity of around 108 MW as of the end of 2017 18 Around 5 MW has been recorded through the Renewables Obligation scheme and Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certification

Conclusions Several large-scale lithium-ion energy storage battery fire incidents have involved explosions. The large explosion incidents, in which battery system enclosures are damaged, are due to the deflagration of accumulated flammable gases generated during cell thermal runaways within one or more modules.

Combining solar energy generation technologies with energy storage technologies (like batteries) enables onsite use of heat or power to meet demand at any time of day. It is therefore important that London maximises the potential for solar energy storage as technology costs continue to fall.

London's solar energy potential National government policy on solar energy currently favours large scale solar farms. With limited vacant land compared to other regions, this places London at a distinct disadvantage.

Deflagration pressure and gas burning velocity in one important incident. High-voltage arc induced explosion pressures. Utility-scale lithium-ion energy storage batteries are being installed at an accelerating rate in many parts of the world. Some of these batteries have experienced troubling fires and explosions.

Call on government to set a national policy framework that unlocks London's solar energy potential National government policy on solar energy currently favours large scale solar farms. With limited vacant land compared to other regions, this places London at a distinct disadvantage.