In April 2025, an explosion at a recycling plant in Kilwinning, Scotland, forced the evacuation of nearby homes. Investigators believe leaking batteries were the likely cause, raising serious concerns about thermal runaway and inadequate fire suppression in energy storage facilities (FIA UK).

Just weeks later, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published formal guidance on evaluating explosion and toxic risks from battery energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion chemistries. The goal: to help assess risks when batteries are deployed at scale near industrial or public areas (Energy Storage NL).

These incidents underscore a growing reality: batteries—so central to Europe’s energy transition—are now being used in environments where explosion risk is not hypothetical. From hydrogen facilities to Zone 2 analysers and skid-mounted UPS systems in chemical plants, batteries are everywhere. And with them comes the pressing need for manufacturers to align ATEX (Directive 2014/34/EU) and the new EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542).

Historically, these frameworks served different ends:

• ATEX/IEC 60079 focuses on equipment safety in explosive atmospheres
• The Battery Regulation governs batteries’ market access, safety, environmental impact, and lifecycle management

But today, they are deeply connected in practice. Most batteries used in hazardous areas are already assessed against technical standards such as IEC 62133-2 (portable lithium-ion), IEC 62619 (industrial lithium-ion), or IEC 62485-2 (stationary lead-acid). These standards offer data on venting, thermal rise, short-circuit response, and gassing—all critical inputs not only for ATEX compliance but also for Battery Regulation documentation.

IEC 60079 does not duplicate battery testing, but it does assess how batteries behave in explosive atmospheres. This includes operating limits, connection methods, and thermal behaviour under fault conditions. These same parameters can inform CE marking, safety reporting, and recyclability assessments under the Battery Regulation.

For example:

• Hydrogen evolution measured during Ex testing of a lead-acid system can inform environmental and ventilation safety under the Battery Regulation
• High thermal rise during short-circuit testing may trigger additional safety verification under both regulatory frameworks

With EU rules on battery labelling, recyclability, and carbon footprint now in force, and due diligence requirements now formally postponed, regulatory alignment is no longer optional; it’s essential.

For manufacturers and integrators, the message is clear: treating ATEX and Battery Regulation as separate silos risks costly delays, compliance gaps, or worse—safety failures. The energy transition demands batteries that are not just greener, but demonstrably safer.

Understanding the interplay now is a safeguard against future risk—and a smart step toward market readiness.

ExVeritas and NMi Certin are part of the NMi Group, offering complementary, accredited expertise. ExVeritas is an ATEX Notified Body and IECEx Certification Body, while NMi Certin is a European Notified Body, UK Approved

Body, and OIML Issuing Authority for battery testing and conformity assessment.
www.exveritas.com | www.nmi.nl

  The author of this article is Reza Bagherylooieh