LG Chem Announces 300 Billion KRW High-Intensity Safety Measures to Restore Trust in ESS

Shin Hak-cheol, Vice Chairman of LG Chem

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] LG Chem announced a high-intensity comprehensive safety plan on the 6th to restore trust in the energy storage system (ESS) industry. The plan includes the complete replacement of ESS batteries produced at the Nanjing factory in China in 2017 and the application of a special fire suppression system to prevent fire spread.

Regarding the investigation team's announcement that the cause of the ESS fire is presumed to be a defect in its batteries, LG Chem stated, "We do not believe the battery is the direct cause of the fire," but added, "However, we will take measures to secure trust in the ESS industry and fulfill our social responsibilities."

Accordingly, LG Chem decided to voluntarily replace all ESS batteries produced at the Nanjing factory in 2017. The company plans to begin battery replacement at about 250 existing domestic ESS sites where these batteries are applied, and has stated that it will bear all costs associated with the replacement.

To prevent fire spread, a special fire suppression system will also be applied sequentially. The target sites include about 400 domestic ESS sites, including those where the 2017 Nanjing batteries were not installed, and the system will be mandatorily applied to all newly installed domestic sites starting this year.

The special fire suppression system developed by LG Chem uses a water injection method that directly sprays water onto the battery module when a fire is detected by smoke detectors installed at the top of the battery racks within the ESS system. Simultaneously, a full inspection will be conducted, and if necessary, additional module replacements and safety reinforcement measures will be implemented.

In addition, LG Chem plans to implement multifaceted measures to enhance safety. It has incorporated a "triple safety device" consisting of module fuses and rack fuses, which melt before electrical components when a strong current flows to cut off the current, and surge protectors that protect the product from external abnormal voltage or electrical transient signals.

Furthermore, a "ground fault monitoring device" that cuts off battery power within the battery system upon detecting insulation abnormalities to prevent fires has been introduced at existing sites and will be applied to new sites as well.

Additionally, LG Chem will apply the "Fireproof-HDD" to more accurately identify fire causes. This device functions like a black box, ensuring that operational records are not lost even if a fire occurs. Moreover, a remote monitoring service capable of diagnosing, analyzing, and predicting battery status remotely will be implemented.

LG Chem stated, "We expect the cost of this high-intensity safety plan to be approximately 200 to 300 billion KRW," and added, "This safety measure will be prioritized for sites installed domestically and domestic customers, while overseas sites will take necessary actions through individual consultations with respective customers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.