ESS Inspections: From Option to Necessity

Energy storage grows. But who is keeping an eye on them?

More and more businesses and institutions across the Netherlands are operating energy storage systems. Distribution centres, hospitals, supermarkets and production facilities are investing in battery packs to manage energy smartly and reduce costs.

An EOS is not a passive system. It continuously charges and discharges based on external signals. That makes it active, complex and susceptible to risk. Fire caused by short circuits or overheating are real dangers without periodic safety oversight. PGS 37-1 was established in December 2023 and the regulatory framework around EOS is evolving. Insurers are already imposing stricter safety requirements on companies that use energy storage systems.

What can happen if an ESS is not inspected?

The risks of an uninspected energy storage system are concrete and serious.

Fire caused by short circuits. Poor insulation or a defective safety device can lead to a short circuit. In a battery pack, this can escalate quickly. Batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space. Once ignited, a lithium-ion battery fire is extremely difficult to extinguish.

Thermal runaway. This is the most dangerous scenario for battery systems. A single cell that overheats triggers neighbouring cells to do the same. The temperature rises uncontrollably. Without intervention, the process cannot be stopped and can lead to explosion and the release of toxic substances.

Failure of business-critical systems. A defect that goes undetected for a long time can cause sudden system failure. For a hospital or data centre, that is simply unacceptable.

Rejection by the insurer. More and more insurers are imposing safety requirements on companies with energy storage systems. Without verifiable proof of an inspection, a damage claim may be refused.

What an ESS inspection checks

An ESS inspection is a technical assessment carried out on location. The inspector checks the system both visually and through measurements. This covers:

• The housing, positioning and safety clearances
• The insulation resistance of the connections
• The operation of safety devices and overload protection
• The presence of warning signs and an emergency plan
• Measures against fire spread
  
  

The inspection is based on NEN 1010, NEN 4288 and PGS 37-1. Deviations are classified by priority and recorded in a professional report. This gives the owner a clear picture of the situation and what needs to be addressed first.

The regulatory landscape is shifting

A statutory inspection obligation for energy storage systems is in preparation. PGS 37-1 was established in December 2023. The designation of EOS as an environmentally harmful activity under the Environmental Activities Decree is expected to come into force in the course of 2026. It is advisable to verify the current status via IPLO or official government publications.

But waiting for legislation is not a strategy. Insurers and local authorities are already tightening their requirements. Companies that build an inspection process now will be prepared when the rules come in. Companies that wait will be playing catch-up.

Verifiable proof

An EOS inspection delivers more than safety alone. It delivers proof.

• For the insurer requiring coverage.

• For the regulator conducting checks.

• For the employee working alongside the system every day.

• For the owner who is liable if something goes wrong.

That proof is in the inspection report. In the classification of deviations. In the measurements before and after remediation. In the verifiable follow-up of every finding.

Incontrol.FIX ensures that deviations after the inspection are not left sitting in a report but are automatically forwarded to the contractor. After remediation, a re-inspection follows. The dossier is closed with full proof. Inspect flags. FIX fixes.

How often should an EOS be inspected?

There is currently no established inspection frequency for EOS, as the official inspection obligation is not yet in force. Periodic inspections are expected to become mandatory once the legislation takes effect. As a guideline, an inspection is recommended after installation, after any expansion of the system and when the grid connection is modified. The sooner a system is inspected after installation, the sooner any installation errors are identified.

Conclusion: start inspections now

An energy storage system that has not been inspected is a system nobody knows is safe. An EOS inspection provides certainty. About the safety of the installation, the continuity of business operations and the validity of the insurance policy. It is not a cost. It is the safety guarantee for employees, buildings and business continuity.

With Incontrol's ready-to-use EOS templates and inspection platform, the inspection process is efficient and structured. From inspection plan to remediation report. Everything in one flow, in accordance with NEN 1010, NEN 4288 and PGS 37-1. That makes an EOS inspection not only necessary, but straightforward to carry out.