India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a draft framework introducing external safety audits for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The proposal aims to establish a standardized audit process that improves the safety, reliability, and operational performance of battery storage projects as India accelerates renewable energy deployment. The draft has been issued for public consultation, with stakeholders invited to submit their feedback before July 28, 2026.
The proposed framework makes it mandatory for grid-connected BESS installations at generating stations to undergo an independent external safety audit once every two years. These audits would be conducted by accredited third-party agencies to ensure compliance with safety regulations, identify operational risks, and verify that battery systems meet prescribed technical and safety standards.
According to the draft, audit agencies will be required to prepare comprehensive reports covering project information, audit methodology, occupational safety and health (OSH) practices, statutory compliance, technical evaluations, field observations, risk assessment, recommendations, and timelines for corrective actions. The framework also includes a standardized reporting format to ensure consistency across all BESS projects.
The technical checklist proposed by the CEA covers key safety parameters, including site suitability, fire detection and suppression systems, explosion protection, cybersecurity measures, surge protection, SCADA integration, auxiliary power arrangements, and real-time monitoring of battery performance such as temperature, voltage, humidity, and power output. These measures are intended to strengthen the long-term safety and resilience of battery energy storage infrastructure.
Project developers will also be required to maintain documentation related to battery certifications, thermal runaway studies, environmental testing, anti-islanding protection, metering records, and statutory approvals before commissioning. In addition, audit findings must classify identified issues into low, medium, and high-risk categories, along with action plans for resolving them within specified timelines.
The draft framework reflects the CEA’s broader efforts to enhance safety standards as India expands its battery energy storage capacity to support renewable energy integration and grid stability. By introducing uniform audit procedures and strengthening regulatory oversight, the authority aims to improve operational reliability while encouraging industry stakeholders to contribute feedback before the framework is finalized.
