Effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are non-negotiable in the energy sector, particularly when managing high-hazard materials like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). These detailed guidelines are foundational for ensuring safety and managing emergency response during leaks and fires.Our procedures emphasize strict general precautions, requiring responders to approach the incident from upwind and immediately evacuate all personnel from the path of the vapor cloud. A key focus for LPG handling is the severe possibility of a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) if fire impinges on an unprotected tank shell above the liquid level, necessitating careful fire control strategies.The SOPs outline specific control methods tailored to the unique properties of these cryogenic vapors and liquids. This includes mandating that personnel wear proper protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, utilizing specialized materials like Hi-ex foam for LNG spill coverage or fire radiation control, and employing water spray monitor nozzles for effective vapor cloud dispersion while strictly avoiding applying water directly to large pools of LNG or LPG, which intensifies vaporization. Following these protocols precisely helps limit damage and protect life by ensuring controlled responses to dynamic, hazardous situations.
This document, titled "Post-Incident Analysis: Lessons from $1.5B+ Li-Ion BESS Losses," offers a crucial look into the safety challenges facing the rapidly expanding Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry. Authored by John Munno in November 2025, the analysis highlights the severe risks that have emerged as BESS capacity skyrocketed from 5 GW in 2020 to 54 GW in 2025.Key Takeaways and Scope:The report investigates over 50 major BESS fires between 2020 and 2025, which collectively resulted in total losses exceeding $1.5 billion—covering property damage, downtime, and cleanup costs. Crucially, these incidents also incurred a devastating human toll, contributing to more than 10 deaths and 50 injuries globally.The analysis examines high-profile incidents across North America, East Asia, Europe, and Australia. Specific case studies reveal systemic failures and profound environmental and safety impacts:• Moss Landing, California (January 2025): A fire at the Vistra 300 MW facility—the world's largest—caused over $100 million in damages. Investigations suggested cell defects or overheating exacerbated by dense packing, and found that clean agent suppression failed to cool the cells. Post-incident soil and water tests confirmed elevated levels of cobalt, nickel, and manganese (heavy metals) that exceeded EPA levels, resulting in health complaints and contamination risks.• Moorabool, Australia (Victorian Big Battery, July 2021): This fire, which occurred during commissioning, was traced to a coolant leak that caused a short circuit and subsequent thermal runaway. The firmwares lacked essential isolation alarms, leading to rapid propagation.• Beijing, China (April 2021): An explosion during response efforts resulted in two firefighter fatalities. The cause was identified as cascading thermal runaway combined with poor ventilation, which allowed explosive gases (H2, CO) to build up.Root Causes and Recommendations:The source identifies common themes and root causes driving these catastrophic failures:1. Thermal Runaway Triggers: 60% of incidents stemmed from defects or overcharge, while leaks accounted for 30%.2. Propagation Modes: Fires typically spread via heat conduction through cell shells and by the release of explosive atmospheres generated by gases like H2 and HF.3. Mitigation Failures: While suppression systems (like clean agents) can put out flames, they often fail to provide necessary cooling to prevent thermal runaway cascades.The report concludes with critical lessons emphasizing Prevention Over Reaction and the need for Layered Defenses:• Technology & Monitoring: Battery Management Systems (BMS) must be updated to monitor at the cell level to isolate anomalies early (a lesson learned after the Moorabool fire).• Suppression: No single suppression method is sufficient; systems must combine detection, venting, and cooling, recognizing that water-based suppression, though risking shorts, is effective in prolonged events (like the Chandler, Arizona, fire).• Safety & Environment: There is a mandate to monitor toxic releases (such as HF and heavy metals) and implement secondary containment for runoff to manage environmental contamination, a key finding following the Moss Landing incident.• Response: Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) must specifically address deflagration risks, and remote tools or robots should be utilized for high-risk actions.Overall, this analysis stresses that the rapid scaling of BESS technology is currently outpacing safety standards and requires urgent, international failure data sharing and mandatory site-specific Hazard Mitigation Analyses (HMA).
Dive into the world of solar energy innovation with this episode on "Electrical Signature Analysis for Solar Photovoltaic Monitoring." Discover how ESA—a cutting-edge, non-invasive technique—revolutionizes fault detection in PV systems by analyzing current-voltage curves to spot issues like loose connections, hot spots, and inverter inefficiencies before they escalate. We break down its applications in massive utility-scale farms versus everyday residential setups, compare it to thermal imaging, and explore real case studies where ESA prevents fires and boosts reliability. Whether you're a renewable energy pro or just curious about sustainable tech, this deep dive highlights tools like the Fluke PVA-1500 and FLIR PV48, grounded in IEC standards, to keep solar power shining bright. Tune in for expert insights on reducing downtime and safeguarding the future of clean energy!
Navigating the intricate code requirements for hydrogen (H2) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects can be a significant challenge, creating uncertainty for all stakeholders. This post introduces how purpose-built compliance software transforms these complex code mandates—like those from NFPA 2 for hydrogen and NFPA 855 along with UL 9540/9540A for BESS—into a structured, living dataset directly tied to physical assets, layouts, tests, and changes.For property and casualty underwriters, risk managers, risk engineers, and facility designers, this offers a straightforward path to de-risking projects and enhancing decision-making. Discover how these platforms streamline everything from design and permitting to construction, commissioning, and operations. Ultimately, this leads to reduced uncertainty in insurance pricing and capacity, clearer cost/benefit mitigation options, and faster claims validation
In this episode, we explore how machine learning paired with current transformer (CT) technology is changing the way plants monitor and maintain equipment. Instead of wiring up flow switches, pressure sensors, or vibration probes, a simple clamp-on CT can learn the signatures of motors, pumps, and heaters—detecting start-ups, runtime, and even early signs of failure.
We’ll walk through how easy these systems are to install, how the algorithms recognize operational patterns, and why one sensor can often replace a whole bank of instrumentation. You’ll also hear about the latest offerings from suppliers like ABB, Siemens, and Fluke, along with the pros and cons of each approach.
For plant managers and engineers, this episode highlights how a focused subset of AI delivers practical results—cutting costs, simplifying maintenance, and giving better visibility into equipment health.
Tailored for engineers, this episode explores the technical and practical impacts of the new standard, with a focus on its significance for the energy industry—covering power generation, oil and gas, and renewables. Learn how to interpret IR scan results, ensure compliance, and integrate predictive maintenance strategies while enhancing workplace safety. Stephen shares expert insights on overcoming challenges, leveraging technology, and preparing for the future of electrical maintenance. Perfect for engineers seeking actionable knowledge without the sales pitch. Tune in to stay ahead in risk management and compliance!
In this solo episode, we explore a lesser-known but increasingly relevant fire protection option for mission-critical environments: the DSPA nitrogen generator system. Designed for non-pressurized, on-demand inert gas generation, this system offers a clean, electrically safe suppression solution for data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
We break down how the technology works, compare it to bottled inert gas, Novec 1230, and water mist systems, and discuss real-world considerations around:
Capital and 10-year lifecycle cost
System reliability and maintenance burden
Compliance with NFPA 75, NFPA 2001, and OSHA
Efficacy in suppressing fires in data halls and containerized BESS
If you're a risk engineer, facility manager, or part of an insurance technical team, this episode delivers actionable insights without the sales pitch.
🔧 Learn how on-site nitrogen generation could fit into your fire protection strategy—and where its limitations lie.
Learn about battery testing
Dive into the critical world of asset integrity in the oil and gas industry. This episode explores the complex issue of maintenance inspection deferrals, decisions to postpone scheduled inspections often driven by economic pressures, resource limitations, or the demands of operational continuity. We unpack the significant risks associated with improper deferrals, including potential catastrophic failures, environmental damage, and major financial and reputational losses....Discover the balanced approach advocated in John Munno's position paper, emphasizing that deferrals should be exception-based decisions governed by standardized protocols, not routine practice.... We delve into robust risk assessment frameworks, documentation and approval processes, and alternative inspection technologies essential for strategic deferral management....Hear about real-world examples, including how deferred maintenance contributed to major incidents like Deepwater Horizon and the Prudhoe Bay spill.... Finally, we cover key recommendations for operators, regulators, and industry bodies... and touch upon comprehensive tools like risk-based decision matrices and sample deferral request forms discussed in the appendices.... Tune in to understand how the industry can navigate operational realities while upholding safety and asset integrity.
In this episode, we explore why keeping moisture out of Generator Step‑Up (GSU) transformers is critical to reliability and safety. Join us as we map out:
Primary Water Ingress Points
How breathers, bushings, gaskets and inspection plates can let moisture inside—even in short timeframes.
Consequences of Excess Moisture
• Electrical‑level risks: loss of dielectric strength & spikes in partial discharge
• Chemical‑and‑physical degradation: accelerated cellulose aging, acid by‑products & corrosive sulfur reactions
• Thermal challenges: reduced oil conductivity leading to dangerous hotspots
Actionable Moisture Thresholds
Clear ppm‑based bands with recommended inspection and monitoring intervals—from annual checks below 10 ppm to weekly interventions above 30 ppm.
Inspection & Diagnostic Toolbox
Step‑by‑step guide to visual seal inspections, infrared thermography, ultrasonic leak‑detection, DGA and frequency‑domain spectroscopy for pinpointing moisture.
Sampling & Analysis Best Practices
Why Karl Fischer titration is the gold standard, plus correct bottle handling, valve purging and the role of continuous on‑line sensors.
Preventive & Corrective Playbook
From immediate seal repairs and breather regeneration to medium‑term dry‑out procedures and long‑term maintenance scheduling.
Whether you’re a risk engineer, maintenance professional or underwriter, this episode delivers a structured, example‑driven roadmap for keeping your transformers dry—and your operations running at peak performance. Tune in now!
Welcome to this audio overview on process safety performance indicators (PSPIs). In the process industry, while personal safety is crucial, preventing major incidents requires a strong focus on process safety management. Major incidents like fires, explosions, or significant releases of hazardous materials can have severe consequences. To effectively manage and reduce the risk of such incidents, organisations implement process safety management systems, which rely on various barriers like physical systems, instrumented systems, and management/people systems.
To understand how well these systems are functioning, organisations use process safety performance indicators (PSPIs). These metrics can be categorized as leading indicators, which precede a system failure, and lagging indicators, which follow a failure. This audio overview is based on a position paper aimed at defining standards for a set of PSPIs specifically within the oil, gas, and petrochemical industry. The information presented here can help in understanding the role of PSPIs in supporting risk improvement efforts and gaining better insights into process safety performance.
In this overview, we explore power plant sequential trip logic, focusing on a setup where the generator field breaker stays closed until a reverse power permissive is detected. This controlled shutdown process protects turbine-generator systems by ensuring the prime mover, like a steam or gas turbine, has stopped driving the generator before de-excitation. Reverse power—when the generator draws energy from the grid instead of producing it—acts as the key signal, confirmed by a relay after the turbine slows down. The sequence begins with a triggering event, like a steam loss, followed by turbine shutdown, reverse power detection, and then the field breaker opening, isolating the unit safely. This method prevents mechanical stress and grid disturbances, though it adds complexity and slight delays. It’s a smart safeguard for large synchronous generators, balancing equipment safety and system stability.
Steam turbine overspeed trip testing is essential for safety, with different methods depending on whether the system is electronic or mechanical. Electronic systems can be tested more safely by temporarily lowering the trip point below the normal operating speed. This allows for verification of the trip mechanism without reaching dangerous speeds, followed by resetting the trip point to the standard higher value. In contrast, mechanical systems have a fixed trip point that requires the turbine to reach a higher speed for testing, which carries more risk. Regardless of the system, thorough preparation, adherence to industry standards, and consultation with manufacturers and insurance providers are crucial for safe and effective testing. The cited sources offer detailed guidance on these procedures, highlighting the specific steps and considerations for both electronic and mechanical overspeed protection systems.
This audio overview discusses the status of several new nuclear power plant projects planned or under development in the United States as of March 2025, including their locations, technologies, and progress toward construction. It also outlines the insurance landscape for these nuclear projects, explaining the roles of private insurers like American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), government-backed mechanisms under the Price-Anderson Act, and the mutual insurer Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL) in covering construction, operational, and liability risks. The overview highlights the challenges and trends in insuring advanced reactor designs and suggests the likely insurance providers for each specific project based on current information and industry practices.
The audio overview of the sources is a two-part series from the YouTube channel "Energy Risk Engineering Lessons" focusing on risk management for solar energy. The first video, "Solar Power for Risk Engineers," provides an overview of common risks associated with solar farms, including:•Snake bites 1•Hail damage 2•Wind damage 3...•Flooding 5•Fires originating from both natural sources and the solar equipment itself 5...•Microcracking 2...•Cable damage8•Transformer failures 8 The video discusses the causes of these risks and strategies for mitigating them, including:•Hail and wind stow systems 3...•Vegetation management 5...•Regular inspections and electrical testing 11•Proper maintenance of electrical equipment 12...It emphasizes the importance of addressing these risks to prevent energy loss and ensure the longevity of solar facilities. The video also includes a detailed example of a large hail loss event, and the challenges faced in sourcing replacement panels and managing the claim process.The second video, "Solar Summer School 2024 - The Year of Fire and Ice," summarizes key learnings from site visits to numerous solar facilities across the United States. It highlights the effectiveness of hail stow systems in preventing damage from severe hailstorms and provides insights into managing vegetation to mitigate wildfire risk, including the use of gravel roads as firebreaks and the potential of sandbags as a fire suppression tool....The video also addresses the issue of PV fires originating from the solar equipment itself, emphasizing the importance of:•Addressing mismatched connectors Inspecting jumpers for tightness and potential rubbing. Maintaining air filters and fans to prevent overheating. The video explores emerging technologies like thermal scanning robots and drones for proactive risk management, as well as the role of standards and testing in ensuring the reliability and resilience of solar equipment...
This podcast is designed for risk engineers, risk managers, and underwriters in the chemical and power plant industries. It outlines types of recommendations, specifically property and equipment recommendations, to protect assets and improve operational efficiency. Key topics include crafting complex and simplistic recommendations, supporting them with code references and industry standards, and communicating effectively with stakeholders such as plant managers and risk managers. The script also emphasizes the importance of clear, specific, feasible, and evidence-based recommendations. Lastly, it addresses handling pushback and resistance, and underscores the need for engaging stakeholders early to ensure successful implementation.
This audio describes a system for managing critical spare parts in power plants and chemical manufacturing facilities. The system categorizes parts by criticality (tiers 1-3) based on failure rates, lead times, and substitutability. A matrix links parts to equipment, considering factors like redundancy and cross-compatibility. A scoring system assesses equipment impact and lead times to calculate a criticality index, guiding decisions on inventory levels and supply agreements. Regular reviews and event-triggered updates ensure the system remains current, improving risk management and potentially reducing insurance costs.
This presentation discusses automated external defibrillators (AEDs), focusing on their importance in high-risk environments like power and chemical plants. The speaker details the history and function of AEDs, explaining how they analyze heart rhythms and deliver shocks to restore normal heartbeats in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Safety precautions for AED use in industrial settings are emphasized, along with real-life examples of AED application and situations where their use is inappropriate. Finally, the presentation highlights the importance of AED training for personnel in workplaces requiring CPR proficiency.
This document categorizes engineers into three personality types: Alpha, Beta, and Sigma. Alpha engineers are assertive leaders who excel in strategic planning, while Beta engineers prioritize collaboration and meticulous execution. Sigma engineers are independent innovators who thrive on complex, autonomous projects. The document details the strengths, weaknesses, and optimal motivational strategies for each type, aiming to improve team dynamics and professional development. Understanding these types can lead to better management and employee satisfaction.
Nuclear power plant decommissioning in the U.S. is a complex process overseen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The process involves safely removing radioactive materials, dismantling structures, and ensuring the site is environmentally sound before license termination. Two main decommissioning options exist, SAFSTOR (safe storage) and DECON (immediate decontamination), with funding requirements determined by the NRC based on technical studies and cost estimations. Multiple agencies participate in the regulatory oversight to protect public health and safety. Numerous reactors have completed or are currently undergoing this process.