Energy Storage and Energy Storage Systems: Testing and Certification

TÜV NORD provides independent Technical Due Diligence, technical inspections, and standards-compliant certifications of energy storage systems – including large-scale battery storage and associated system components – to ensure stable grid integration, long-term operational reliability, and a sustainable energy future.

Safe energy storage – with TÜV NORD

With the growing share of variable energy generation from photovoltaic and wind power plants, the demands on grid stability, system flexibility and security of supply are increasing. Energy storage systems – in particular battery storage – have become indispensable building blocks of a high-performance, future-proof energy infrastructure.

TÜV NORD is your independent partner for the testing and certification of energy storage systems, including the necessary grid connection planning.
We support grid operators, project developers, investors, utilities and technology manufacturers throughout all project phases – from feasibility studies and grid compatibility assessments to certifications, operational optimisation, risk and safety analyses (including cyber security, fire protection and emergency management), as well as evaluations for decommissioning and recycling.

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Tested safety – at every stage of your battery storage project

1

Project development

We support you in grid connection planning, assess regulatory, environmental and fire protection requirements, and thereby ensure a solid foundation for your project. In addition, we provide feasibility studies and simulations and address key topics such as cyber security (including KRITIS/NIS-2) at an early stage.

2

Engineering

We evaluate technical conditions, carry out independent supplier audits and conduct risk and hazard assessments to ensure quality and safety.

3

Construction and commissioning

Our experts inspect and support the acceptance of system components at the manufacturer’s or supplier’s site (Factory Acceptance Test, FAT) as well as on site during commissioning (Site Acceptance Test, SAT).

4

Operation

During operation, our experts can perform targeted measurements (e.g. reactive power, grid compatibility, primary/secondary control reserve) to assess potential grid impacts; in addition, we evaluate technical root causes of faults.

5

Decommissioning and recycling

Right from the start of a project, it is important to address assessments and studies on decommissioning as well as the review and evaluation of sustainable recycling concepts – and we provide you with comprehensive support in this process.

Our services at a glance – along your project lifecycle

Grid connection planning
Grid compliance assessment
Evaluation of building law, environmental and fire protection requirements
Plant safety
Feasibility studies & simulations
Cyber security / KRITIS / NIS-2

Clarification of technical framework conditions
Supplier audits
Risk and hazard assessments

Factory Acceptance Test (FAT): Conducted at the manufacturer’s or supplier’s site prior to delivery.
Site Acceptance Test (SAT): Conducted at the operational site after installation and integration.
Commissioning support
CE certification
IT certification

Measurements of grid impacts (e.g. reactive power, PRL/SRL)
Technical fault assessments
Review and evaluation of emergency plans

Assessments and studies on decommissioning
Evaluation of sustainable recycling concepts

Storage systems are the backbone of a flexible energy system – grid integration and operational safety are essential.

Samuel Wiktor

Expert for Energy Supply and Storage Systems, TÜV NORD

Standards, Directives and Legislation

TÜV NORD creates trust and market access

Energy storage projects operate within a complex framework of standards, directives and legislation – we provide transparency and security for your project.

VDE-AR-N 4105 / 4110 / 4120 – Grid connection rules (low, medium and high voltage)
IEEE 1547 – Grid connection of distributed generation units
FGW TR3, TR4, TR8 – Grid compatibility, measurement procedures, certification
EnWG, EEG – Feed-in and grid regulations
TAB grid operator requirements (supplementary specifications)
DIN EN 61140, DIN EN 61508 – Functional safety of electrical systems
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, DIN EN 61000

Technical Application Rules (TAR) for grid connection
Grid and system protection requirements
Requirements for protection, impact and operating equipment

IEC 62109 (Safety of photovoltaic and grid-connected inverters)
IEC 62477-1 (Safety of power electronic converters)
VDE 0124-100 (Grid protection requirements)
DIN EN 50524 (Efficiency requirements)

IEC 62619 – Safety of rechargeable batteries
IEC 61010-1 – Safety of measurement and laboratory equipment
IEC 60730 – Automation and control devices
EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 – Carbon footprint, recycling quotas, minimum recycled content, battery passport
ADR / UN 3480 / UN 3481 – Transport safety for batteries

With independent testing and certification in line with relevant standards, TÜV NORD ensures maximum safety, grid compatibility and reliable market access.

Techniker inspiziert modulare Energiespeicheranlage im Freien

Safety and risk assessments for battery storage systems

Battery storage systems require comprehensive safety and risk assessments – from site selection and operation through to decommissioning. Only systematic analysis can identify, evaluate and mitigate potential hazards with appropriate measures.

TÜV NORD supports grid operators, project developers, investors, utilities, manufacturers and technology providers with independent testing, assessments and safety reports – ensuring maximum reliability, investment security and safe operation across all project phases.

Our methods at a glance

HAZID (Hazard Identification) – Identification of potential hazards already during the planning phase
HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Analysis) – Structured analysis of operational and process risks
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) – Evaluation of possible failure modes and their impacts
FTA / ETA (Fault Tree / Event Tree Analysis) – Analysis of fault chains and scenarios for failures or disruptions
SIL studies in accordance with DIN EN 61508 – Assessment of the functional safety of protection and control systems

Our services range from safety reports for large-scale storage facilities and the assessment of fire and explosion risks to the review and evaluation of existing emergency plans and the analysis of operational organisational processes. In this way, we provide a robust basis for safe operation and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Partnerships and References

Partnership

Upside Group

Safely realising energy storage projects with TÜV NORD

We test and certify energy storage systems in accordance with all relevant standards – including VDE, IEC, DIN and FGW – and carry out additional specialised certifications for battery storage. We support you from risk analysis and grid connection assessment through to complete safety and compliance verification.

Our interdisciplinary expert teams bring decades of experience from nuclear, conventional and renewable large-scale projects. This combination of technical depth and industry diversity enables us to reliably, efficiently and standards-compliantly evaluate even complex energy storage installations – including battery storage and hybrid systems – with components from different manufacturers.

With TÜV NORD, you gain technical quality, regulatory assurance and fast market access – for the successful integration of your storage solutions into the energy system of the future.

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Energy Storage and Energy Storage Systems: Testing and Certification

Tested safety – at every stage of your battery storage project

Our services at a glance – along your project lifecycle