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03 Sep 2025 12:00 - 13:30

Scotland branch - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

From the Scotland branch


On the 3rd September 2025 (12:00-13:30), the Scotland Branch of the IFE will be hosting a CPD event, open to all Members of the Branch. The event will be hosted online on Teams. To register for this event email the branch secretary (secretary@ife-scotland.org.uk) and the branch CPD organiser (james.mcnay@stantec.com)

This free, online event will:

  • Explain the fundamentals of BESS Through:
    • Describing what Battery Energy Storage Systems are and their key components
    • Summarising typical applications & locations for BESS installations
  • Identify risks associated with BESS Through:
    • Recognition of common fire hazards unique to battery storage systems
    • Discussion of the causes of thermal runaway.
  • Understand appropriate fire detection and suppression systems Through:
    • Outlining the detection methods suitable for BESS environments
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of different suppression systems for BESS fires
  • Apply relevant standards and regulations through
    • Identifying key fire safety standards, codes, and best practice guidelines for BESS
    • Interpreting how national and international regulations impact BESS design and operation
  • Implement fire prevention and emergency response procedures through:
    • Developing strategies for risk reduction and fire prevention on BESS sites
    • Demonstrating appropriate response actions in the event of a BESS-related fire

About the speaker

Senior Risk Engineer [Fire Engineering] Gary Howe has worked at Zurich Resilience Solutions (part of the Zurich Insurance Group) for over 20 years and is a subject matter specialist in the field of fire safety and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Gary is currently working on a variety of BESS sites across the world which includes development of fire strategies, risk assessment and on site evaluation.

Gary is a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and President of his local branch of the IFE.

Gary is a registered assessor with the Institution of Fire Engineers undertaking reviews, mentoring and support to individuals to achieve internationally recognised professional fire engineering qualifications.

Gary is a regular contributor to the International Fire Professional Journal (the journal of the Institution of Fire Engineers) with over twelve articles published to date.