Data centers are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, powering everything from cloud computing to mission-critical enterprise applications, and now artificial intelligence learning and inference. Beyond the computing and data storage lies the heart of these facilities: UPS + batteries – silent yet essential components that ensure continuity during power outages and stabilize energy and power delivery.

Despite their importance, battery safety sometimes receives less attention than other more attention-grabbing headlines like cooling systems or cybersecurity. Having this level of oversight can lead to catastrophic consequences and costly downtime. Batteries serve as the foundation of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, stepping in when the primary power source fails. They maintain uptime during outages, support energy efficiency initiatives, and increasingly integrate with renewable energy solutions. Both lead-acid and lithium-ion are the primary chemistries used, each with its specific pros and cons.

As I have talked before, no single chemistry is a perfect solve-all-problems solution. Lithium-ion batteries are gaining in popularity, favored for their high energy density and compact footprint. However, their widespread adoption introduces new safety challenges that operators must address proactively.

As data centers scale and adopt advanced energy storage technologies, prioritizing battery safety is no longer optional – it’s a strategic imperative. As you will see below, relying on experts is critical, so I turned to my network of battery professionals to help shed some light on this growing topic.

As we have seen over the last few years, these safety incidents at data centers are recurring, with the latest examples below:

• South Korea Government Data Center Fire (2025): A lithium-ion battery fire event during UPS maintenance triggered thermal runaway, destroying 384 batteries and crippling 647 government systems for nearly a week. Recovery took almost a month, with damages exceeding ₩22.4 billion (approx. $17 million USD).
• Hillsboro, Oregon Data Center Fire (2025): A fire involving lithium-ion batteries burned for five hours, producing toxic smoke and resisting traditional suppression methods. Fire crews had to let the battery bank burn out, exposing gaps in emergency response protocols for large-scale battery fires.
• Digital Realty Singapore Fire (2024): A lithium-ion battery malfunction caused a two-day fire, disrupting operations for major clients. The incident highlighted the risks of inadequate fire prevention in battery rooms.

Dawn New, SVP of Strategy at CellBlock FCS and a long-time battery safety subject matter expert, says:

“These incidents are part of a documented pattern – the 2022 SK C&C fire that brought down KakaoTalk in South Korea, the 2023 Maxnod facility fire in France, and now these 2025 disasters. Lithium-ion batteries are projected to account for between 40-50 percent of the data center battery market by 2025, up from 15 percent in 2020, yet our safety infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.”

In summary, battery systems can pose significant risks if not properly managed. Thermal runaway conditions – where battery cells overheat uncontrollably – can lead to fires or explosions. Damaged batteries may leak chemicals, creating environmental hazards and health risks for personnel. Dawn also goes on to say:

“Fire authorities reported the only effective methods involved dousing batteries with large volumes of water or submerging them in tanks, approaches incompatible with data center operations.”

Beyond safety concerns, battery failures can cause unexpected downtime, translating into substantial financial losses. Some industry data sources show that over 50 percent of data center outages are power-related, and severe incidents often cost over $100,000, with some exceeding $1 million. These samples of figures underscore the urgency of robust safety measures being mandatory.

Downtime costs for critical facilities can exceed thousands of dollars per minute, making even short outages extremely expensive. Regulatory compliance adds another layer of responsibility, as standards mandate safe battery installation and monitoring. Most importantly, battery safety protects human lives, valuable infrastructure, and the environment. In an era where uptime is paramount, safety must be treated as a core business priority.

When installing batteries, it is important that data center operators consult their local electrical code authority or any authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to installation or maintenance of any battery. Below are some universally accepted safety standards that govern battery safety worldwide, but always check the local authority first, as some variations may exist.

• NFPA 855: (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems): Defines requirements for hazard mitigation, fire suppression, ventilation, and emergency planning for lithium-ion and other battery technologies.
• NFPA 70E: Establishes electrical safety protocols for personnel working on battery systems.
• UL 9540 / UL 9540A: Certifies energy storage systems and tests for thermal runaway propagation.
• UL 1973: Covers stationary battery modules for safety and performance.
• IEEE 1184 & IEEE 450: Provides guidelines for battery maintenance, testing, and lifecycle management.

I also asked Dawn what she is seeing for deployment of these safety standards in real practice when so many lithium-ion battery systems have already been installed:

“NFPA 855 explicitly mandates physical separation, lithium-ion-specific fire suppression, thermal barriers, and deflagration venting based on energy capacity, yet adoption remains inconsistent because some facilities continue operating under legacy standards like NFPA 75 and TIA-942 that predate large-scale lithium-ion deployment. We need mandatory NFPA 855 compliance with third-party audits for systems exceeding 50 kWh.”

Beyond compliance and safety, operators should also adopt proactive best practices for battery maintenance; the following infographic explains the key benefits to a data center operator on why maintenance is so important:

Here are some best practice considerations to review when implementing a well-balanced and robust maintenance system for UPS + batteries.

• Continuous Monitoring: Deploy battery management systems (BMS) and smart sensors to track voltage, temperature, and impedance in real time.
• Regular Testing and Maintenance: Follow IEEE and NFPA guidelines for periodic inspections, thermal imaging, and testing.
• Environmental Controls: Maintain optimal ambient temperatures based on manufacturer recommendations; every 10°C above 25°C can reduce battery life by 50 percent in some battery chemistries if not built for high-temperature applications.
• Proper Installation and Segregation: House batteries in dedicated rooms, aisles if possible, or proper storage with fire suppression systems and ventilation as required.
• Training and Emergency Protocols: Ensure staff are trained in NFPA 70E requirements and emergency response procedures.
• Predictive Analytics: AI-driven tools are starting to emerge to identify early signs of degradation and prevent failures before they occur.

Not only do poor maintenance and battery issues cause financial and infrastructure damage, but improper disposal also poses significant environmental risks. Another network contact of mine, Jeff Batalucco, BD Manager with Vesco Clean Energy, has spent the last few years on the sustainability side of batteries, supporting recycling and supply chain resiliency. Jeff says:

“Sustainability in energy storage begins where a battery’s first life ends. Every recycled cell is a step toward reducing our carbon footprint, reclaiming critical minerals, and closing the loop between innovation and environmental responsibility. True progress means powering the future without depleting it.”

When batteries experience thermal runaway or physical damage, they can leak hazardous chemicals such as electrolytes and heavy metals into the surrounding environment. These substances contaminate soil and groundwater, creating long-term ecological damage and health hazards for nearby communities. Improper disposal of spent batteries contributes to hazardous waste accumulation. Batteries may contain rare earth elements like lead, cobalt, nickel, and other toxic materials that require specialized recycling processes. Without proper recycling, these materials can enter landfills that release harmful compounds and increase the risk of fires.

Sustainability concerns are also growing as data centers expand their energy storage capacity. The production and disposal of batteries have a substantial carbon footprint, and failure to implement recycling programs undermines corporate environmental responsibility goals.

To mitigate these impacts, operators should adopt closed-loop recycling systems, partner with certified recyclers, and integrate environmental monitoring into their battery management strategies. Jeff also says:

“Throwing batteries into a landfill is 100 percent off limits. Sending your batteries to an authorized recycling facility or agent where the rare elements can be reclaimed is the correct pathway.”

This also helps with creating resiliency in the supply chain of these elements to allow for faster production and higher yield outputs of new batteries.

The future of battery safety + sustainability lies in automation and intelligence. AI-driven solutions will become standard, offering predictive insights and automated responses to potential hazards. As battery technology evolves and data centers adopt greener energy solutions, safety protocols must keep pace. Industry-wide collaboration and standardization will be critical to ensuring consistent practices across facilities.

Battery safety is a cornerstone of data center reliability and resilience. De-prioritizing can lead to catastrophic consequences, operationally, environmentally, and financially. By embracing advanced monitoring technologies, adhering to accepted safety regulations and standards, following a regimented maintenance plan, making recycling a normal routine, and implementing best practices, operators can safeguard their facilities, protect personnel, help the planet, and maintain uninterrupted service. The time to act is now.