Local communities are raising concerns about safety. You’ve probably seen it yourself—projects facing delays or getting shut down because the public feels their safety isn’t being prioritised. MIT recently studied 53 renewable energy projects in the US between 2008 and 2021, and safety risks was a common theme. People are pushing back, and fire safety is high on their list of worries.
It’s not just wind farms under scrutiny. Battery storage projects, especially in North America, are getting put on hold due to similar concerns. And in the UK, fire safety checks are becoming more of a political talking point. The pressure is mounting across the board, and ignoring it isn’t an option anymore.
Co-located or hybrid projects—where you’re combining different types of renewable energy on a single site—are growing fast. A 90% growth in 2023 alone. It’s a smart way to maximise land use and resources, but it also adds another layer of fire risk. Batteries are a known fire hazard, and managing that risk needs to be part of the initial planning. We can’t just think about these risks once everything’s already up and running.
Here's where it gets tricky. Some developers are skipping fire suppression systems, thinking it's an easy way to save on costs. We all know the financial pressures, but ignoring fire safety isn't the place to cut back. It’s short-sighted to assume that investing in fire suppression systems is anything less than essential but it happens. Despite the fact that the cost of these systems is often negligible compared to the results of an accident.
Pushing fire safety down the list until a fire happens is a gamble, and it’s one you’re likely to lose. A fire incident could easily wipe out any savings you might think you’re making. Not to mention the reputational damage that comes with it.
Forward-thinking companies are already reaping the rewards of addressing fire safety early. By installing fire suppression systems from day one, they’re avoiding project delays, earning community trust, and securing smoother approvals. It's not just about compliance—it's a way to streamline the entire development process.
Regulatory changes are already happening in major markets like Australia, France, and South Korea. Fire safety systems are now mandatory for wind farms, and these countries are following Germany’s lead, which has had regulations in place for over a decade. If you’re not paying attention to this trend, you’re behind.
If we want the renewable energy sector to keep growing, we need to prioritise fire safety at every stage of development. Here are the key things to focus on:
- Early Installation: Get fire suppression systems in place from the start. Waiting until after a fire happens is a costly mistake.
- Comprehensive Approach: Think beyond just suppression—look at prevention and emergency response as well.
- Stay Updated: The regulatory environment is changing fast, especially in wind-heavy markets. Keep up with it.
- Engage Communities: Transparency around safety measures can help you avoid delays and opposition.
- Regular Reviews: Fire risks evolve with new technologies and project types. Make sure your safety measures keep pace.
Fire safety isn’t a side issue anymore—it’s central to whether your project gets built on time and on budget. We’re in an industry that’s all about building the future. Let’s make sure that future is a safe one. Don’t wait for a fire to force your hand. Build it into your plans from the start and keep the momentum going.
At Flare, we specialise in the design, commissioning, installation, and maintenance of advanced fire safety systems tailored for the renewable energy sector. With extensive experience in wind, solar, and battery storage projects, we provide reliable solutions to safeguard your assets and protect your teams. Trust Flare to keep your operations running safely and efficiently, year after year.
