Lithium-ion batteries are transforming the way we generate, store and use energy. They are fundamental to the transition to a low-emissions economy, powering everything from consumer electronics and power tools to electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems and renewable energy infrastructure.
As battery technologies become more deeply integrated into homes, workplaces and communities, the conversation is evolving beyond adoption to one of safe, responsible deployment.
Like all energy systems, lithium-ion batteries present hazards that must be understood and managed. While battery failures remain relatively rare compared with the millions of batteries in everyday use, incidents involving damaged, poorly manufactured or incorrectly charged batteries have highlighted the importance of good design, appropriate regulation and informed user behaviour.
Battery safety is therefore not a barrier to electrification—it is an essential enabler of it.
Why battery safety matters
The increasing use of lithium-ion batteries has been accompanied by a measurable rise in battery-related fire incidents around the world.
In Australia, Fire and Rescue NSW attended:
- 165 lithium-ion battery fires in 2022
- 272 fires in 2023
- 324 fires in 2024
Many incidents have involved rechargeable consumer products, including e-bikes, e-scooters and battery-powered equipment, with fire authorities identifying lithium-ion batteries as one of the fastest-growing fire risks in the state.
Internationally, the trend is equally significant. In June 2024, a fire at the Aricell lithium battery manufacturing facility in Hwaseong, South Korea claimed the lives of 22 workers after battery cells entered thermal runaway. The incident highlighted the importance of robust safety practices throughout the battery lifecycle—from manufacturing and transport through to installation, operation and end-of-life management.
These events reinforce an important lesson: as battery technologies continue to proliferate, knowledge and capability must keep pace with innovation.
Developing capability through education
To support the safe adoption of battery technologies, the UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute (DGFI) has developed An Essential Guide to Lithium-Ion Battery Systems, Risks and Safety.
This self-paced online course covers 4 hours of content and has been designed to build practical understanding of lithium-ion battery technologies and the principles that underpin their safe use across homes, workplaces and industry. The course is suitable for anyone who uses, handles, stores, charges or transports lithium-ion battery-powered equipment, including portable electronic devices, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters and other e-mobility technologies.
Developed with input from leading researchers and reviewed by the Safety of Alternative and Renewable Energy Technologies (SARET) research team and Fire and Rescue NSW, the course combines current research, regulatory context and practical guidance to help learners make informed decisions about battery safety.
More than 1,000 learners have completed the course, including professionals from:
- Queensland Fire Department
- NSW Police
- Ventia
- NSW Health
- Stanley Black and Decker
- NSW Fire
- CFA Victoria
- Local Councils
- Fire Rescue Victoria
- Battery Manufacturers
- Ports
- Transport and Logistics
- Train Operators
- Sustainability Victoria
- Environmental Protection Authorities
- Major Retailers