Global Battery Storage Failure Rates Dropped Since 2018
New safety standards are reducing risks for large-scale lithium-ion energy storage systems worldwide.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The global failure rate for lithium-ion battery energy storage systems decreased 98% between 2018 and 2025. Annual failure rates for these stationary storage systems now range from 0.04% to 0.14%.
Why it matters
Older battery systems built before 2021 are more prone to failure than modern units designed with stricter safety protocols. These advancements help protect communities by reducing the risk of thermal runaway events, which remain a rare but serious safety concern.
Global failure rates fell 50% between 2024 and 2025, and 93% of all global safety incidents result in no injuries or fatalities. While systems commissioned before 2021 account for only 3% of global capacity, they are statistically more likely to experience issues.
The players
National Fire Protection Association
This organization develops the safety codes and standards that govern fire protection practices for infrastructure and buildings worldwide.
The details
Engineers mitigate thermal runaway risks through retrofits like flammable gas detectors, enhanced ventilation, and structural fire walls. These propagation-prevention measures compartmentalize units within indoor facilities to stop fire spread. Safety performance has improved significantly since 2019, supported by evolving design practices and regional regulatory oversight like New York's technical review mandates.
Timeline
April 2019: An Arizona Public Service facility experienced a significant explosion.
2018-2025: The global failure rate for battery systems fell by 98%.
January 2025: A thermal runaway event destroyed a 300-MW battery array in Moss Landing, California.
January 2026: New York began requiring developer-funded independent technical reviews.
Fall 2026: The NFPA 855 safety standard is scheduled for replacement by NFPA 800.
The Home Front
This trend marks a shift toward more rigorous international safety codes for large-scale energy storage. It follows the precedent set by localized requirements like New York's recent mandates for independent technical reviews of site safety applications.
Property owners located near large-scale storage facilities should monitor local public utility commission updates regarding safety inspections. Consult with your local fire department or municipal planning office to understand the specific safety codes governing energy infrastructure in your area.
The takeaway
The drastic reduction in battery failure rates highlights the critical importance of modern engineering and updated fire safety codes. Homeowners can track local facility safety by reviewing public zoning and fire safety hearing minutes for any grid-scale energy storage projects in their community.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and safety developments in Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Utility Dive.
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