The January 2026 white paper, "Requirements for Energy Storage Systems Used in Data Centers," arrives as operators grapple with the complexity of rack-level battery backups, centralized UPS systems, and large-scale energy storage arrays. Because lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and other battery chemistries present unique thermal runaway profiles, the guidance moves away from broad assumptions about battery behavior, favoring rigorous, standardized testing protocols.
In section Releases
New OCP Guidelines Address Rising Energy Storage Risks in Data Centers
As AI and high-performance computing push data centers toward greater power density, the Open Compute Project has released new guidance to standardize the safety of energy storage systems. Mike Pagel, a principal consultant at HazMat Safety Consulting, helped author the framework, which tracks battery hazards from initial transit through decommissioning.
Pagel emphasizes that safety cannot be confined to the server room floor. Instead, the document stresses a lifecycle approach, noting that batteries remain subject to strict regulatory requirements during transportation, repair, and end-of-life disposal. The guidance integrates key industry standards, including NFPA 855 for stationary storage installation and the ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A (5th Edition) protocol for evaluating fire propagation. By aligning these standards, the OCP aims to provide hyperscalers and colocation providers with a clear roadmap for mitigating electrical and chemical hazards in high-density environments.
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