The Principal of Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 – EQ

Summary:

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The key purpose of this amendment is to introduce a comprehensive new chapter (Chapter XA) dedicated to the additional safety requirements for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) . These regulations will come into force on April 1, 2027.

### 1. Introduction and Applicability
– **Short Title:** Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Amendment Regulations, 2026.
– **Commencement:** April 1, 2027.
– **Scope:** The new regulations apply to BESS installations connected at voltage levels **above 650 Volts**. Installations at 650 V and below must comply with relevant standards.

### 2. Key Definitions Added
The amendment adds several new definitions to Regulation 2 to provide clarity for the new chapter:
– **Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS):** A stationary system using electrochemical materials (batteries, power conversion system, battery management system) to store electric energy.
– **Battery Management System (BMS):** A system that controls the batteries for safe operation, balances energy, and monitors status.
– **Power Conversion System (PCS):** The integrated system (inverters, rectifiers, controllers) that converts DC power from the battery to AC for the grid (discharging) and vice versa (charging).
– **Walk-in Units/System:** A pre-fabricated building containing BESS with doors for personnel access to maintain, test, and service equipment.

### 3. Core Safety Requirements (New Chapter XA)
The new regulations mandate several design, operational, and safety standards for BESS:

#### A. General Safety (Regulation 122B)
– **Design:** BESS must be designed with **two-fault tolerance** to prevent catastrophic failures from overcharge, over-discharge, short circuits, or temperature excursions.
– **Testing:** Must be carried out as per relevant standards.
– **BMS Function:** Must monitor voltage, temperature, and thermal runaway at cell, module, and rack levels. It must trigger audio-visual alarms and stop charging/discharging if OEM-recommended temperatures are exceeded.
– **PCS Function:** Must be capable of fully automatic, unattended operation, including grid synchronization and disconnection, with self-protective features.
– **Cooling Systems:** Coolant lines must be routed to prevent leakage on live parts, and failures must not cause short circuits.

#### B. Physical Infrastructure (Regulations 122C to 122E)
– **Battery Container:** Must have explosion protection, forced ventilation, automated louvers for gas release, and appropriate ingress protection.
– **Equipment Location:** Minimum space separation is required between adjacent BESS enclosures and nearby buildings, varying by battery chemistry (Li-ion, Nickel Cadmium, Lead Acid).
– **Ventilation:** HVAC systems must be installed for thermal management. A mechanism must limit flammable material concentration, and the system must initiate a shutdown if mechanical ventilation fails.

#### C. Hazard Management (Regulations 122F & 122G)
– **Detection & Suppression:** BESS must have hazard detection systems (smoke, gas, heat, flame) and an **automatic fire suppression system** in every container.
– **Electrolyte Spill:** For batteries with liquid electrolytes (acidic or alkaline), spills must be contained as per relevant standards.

#### D. Operational Safety and Security (Regulations 122H to 122J)
– **Lighting & Signage:** Separate emergency lighting with automatic initiation must be provided.
– **Security:** Installations must be protected by a fence (minimum 1.8m high) and have CCTV, motion sensors, and alarm systems.
– **Emergency Stops:** Affected sections must shut down automatically upon anomaly detection. Manual emergency stop buttons must be easily accessible and visible.

#### E. Audits, Training, and Implementation (Regulations 122M & 137)
– **Fire Safety Audit:** An independent third-party fire safety audit of the BESS must be conducted within **three months** of the regulations coming into force.
– **Reporting:** The audit report must be submitted to the Electrical Inspector.
– **Training:** Appropriate Governments must ensure fire safety officials are trained for BESS-specific risks. The Directorate General Fire Services will issue training guidelines within three months.
– **Relevant Standards:** The CEA will issue a separate order listing the specific “relevant standards” applicable under these regulations within three months of commencement.

### 4. Overall Objective
This amendment reflects a proactive regulatory step to address the emerging safety risks associated with the large-scale deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems, which are critical for India’s renewable energy integration and grid stability goals. The focus is on preventing fires, explosions, and other hazards through robust design, monitoring, and emergency response protocols.

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