Lithium batteries have altered the world’s approach to stored energy, as well as the way fire departments must respond to fires.

In recent years, the increase of lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices has brought about numerous technological advancements, from portable electronics to electric vehicles. However, alongside these innovations comes the reality of lithium-ion battery fires, which have garnered significant attention due to their potential for causing property damage, injuries and even fatalities, said Kenny Kovac, Sun City Fire/Medical District fire marshal.

Fortunately, he said, the fire district has not seen the impact of lithium-ion batteries, but he wants to make people aware of the potential dangers.

“We had one suspected fire last year on a back patio, but we couldn’t prove this was a lithium-ion fire,” he said. “What makes them so dangerous is that you can not put out a lithium-ion fire. It has to burn out.”

The danger is remote, he said, and their technological uses outweigh the risks.

“Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density and rechargeable capabilities,” Kovac said. “This makes them indispensable in powering our modern world. However, they are not without risks. When damaged, overheated, or overcharged, these batteries can undergo a process known as thermal runaway, leading to rapid and uncontrollable heating, release of flammable gases, and ultimately, fire.”

Instances of lithium-ion battery fires have been reported in various settings, including smartphones, laptops, e-cigarettes, electric vehicles and even e-bikes, which are also growing in popularity. These fires can result in significant property damage and pose serious threats to human safety, he said. In some cases, they have even led to injuries and fatalities, urging the need for effective preventive measures and emergency response protocols.

Educating the public about the proper use, storage and disposal of lithium-ion batteries is crucial in preventing accidents, Kovac said. This includes avoiding physical damage to batteries, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and using only approved charging devices. Furthermore, prompt reporting of any signs of battery malfunction or overheating is essential in preventing potential disasters.

“While advancements in technology offer immense benefits, they also require us to remain proactive in identifying and addressing potential hazards,” he said. “By fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public, we can work towards a safer future where the benefits of lithium-ion batteries are maximized, and the risks are minimized.”

The dangers became apparent in April 2019 when the McMicken Energy Storage facility in Peoria experienced a battery fire. The fire ignited in just one of the 27 racks of batteries in the facility and did not spread. However, the fire caused an explosion when first responders opened the door to the enclosure, injuring several of them.

“That incident is what brought the new awareness,” Kovac said. “No one knew about these things before that.”

The incident occurred shortly after Invenergy proposed to create the El Sol Battery Energy Center in Youngtown and caused the company and SCFMD to consult together to design a safe facility. After several revisions to the design plans, construction started last year with a opening date set for this year.

“Before receiving the permit to build the project, El Sol and SCFMD worked together to ensure the project was designed in accordance with the fire code and first responders were properly trained. El Sol has and will continue to provide thorough training to first responders throughout the life of the project to ensure all relevant personnel are prepared in the extremely rare case of a fire,” said Alaina Merrill, Invenergy communications manager.

“In addition to the code requirements, El Sol installed a water-based fire suppression system as requested by SCFMD,” Merrill added. “This will allow for exposure control in the unlikely event of a battery fire. The site will also be constantly monitored with staff and systems in place to address any alarms and warning alerts in real-time.”

One of the unique operations at El Sol, Kovac said, is that the individual batteries within the cabinets are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“If they see the temperature rise even one or two degrees in one of those batteries, they shut it down and bypass it,” he said. “An electric car fire is more dangerous than this battery energy storage system.”

The project is located on approximately 33 acres of private land immediately adjacent to an existing utility substation, just east of the Agua Fria River, north of Olive Avenue and south of Peoria Avenue at 11500 W. Invenergy Way.

Invenergy is a privately-held developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions. ​A U.S.-based company, it invests $400 million annually in the home communities where its projects are located. ​Invenergy has successfully developed more than 200 projects, including wind, solar, transmission infrastructure, green hydrogen, natural gas power generation and advanced energy storage projects.