Key international standard AS IEC 62619:2017 for battery storage has been adopted for use in Australia.
The decision followings an industry roundtable where Standards Australia committed to fast track the development and adoption of appropriate product safety standards.
AS IEC 62619:2017, Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes—Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries, for use in industrial applications covers safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in stationary and motive applications. The standard can also be used for residential and commercial battery systems.
Explaining the significance of the standard, the Clean Energy Council’s Director of Smart Energy Darren Gladman, said home batteries will give Australians more energy independence and control over their power bills.
“It is essential that we have standards in place that ensure consumers are protected,” Gladman said. “Consumers can be assured that battery products which meet this standard have an outstanding record of product safety in Europe, a leading market where tens of thousands of battery units have already been installed.
“The Clean Energy Council will continue to work with safety regulators to ensure that Australian battery product safety standards are the best in the world. We call on regulators and policy makers to give their full support to the new standard.”
Standards Australia CEO Dr. Bronwyn Evans explained the broader strategy for battery storage standards.
“The adoption of this standard is the first step of a much bigger plan developed through extensive consultation with industry and government,” Evans said.
“We will continue to adopt international standards wherever we can. Where no standard exists, we will continue to consult with our stakeholders and the wider Australian community to develop Australian Standards with the end user front of mind.”