Form Energy’s Breakthrough Iron-Air Battery Technology Sets a New Benchmark for Safety in Energy Storage Systems
Form Energy’s iron-air battery system has passed UL9540A safety testing with no thermal runaway or fire, setting a new safety benchmark for energy storage systems.
Form Energy announced on December 12, 2024, that its iron-air battery system completed UL9540A safety testing, meeting the industry’s highest safety standards without flame or thermal event propagation. The tests simulated fault and abuse conditions known to trigger thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, including short circuits and overcharging. Across all scenarios, the cells showed no uncontrolled heating, dendrite formation, or fire, demonstrating inherent safety under extreme conditions. The results eliminate the need for additional module or system-level safety testing, according to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Matthew Paiss.
The iron-air battery cells underwent rigorous evaluations, including multiple short-circuit failure modes during charging and discharging. Even under extreme abuse, such as charging while short-circuited or overcharging for seven continuous days, the cells remained stable with no thermal runaway. These outcomes highlight the robust safety design of Form Energy’s batteries and their compliance with stringent safety protocols. The company emphasized that the testing exceeded standard lithium-ion protocols to address potential failure modes unique to iron-air technology.
William Woodford, Form Energy’s Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, stated that the safety performance of the first commercial iron-air battery system exceeded expectations. He noted that the UL9540A testing confirmed the technology’s reliability and safety, aligning with the company’s goal of delivering multi-day energy storage solutions. The milestone underscores Form Energy’s commitment to scaling production while prioritizing safety and long-term reliability for customers.
Form Energy’s iron-air system uses iron, water, and air as core materials, operating on reversible rusting principles without heavy or rare-earth metals. Approximately 80% of components are sourced domestically in the United States, offering a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Designed for inter-day energy storage, the system provides low-cost, clean electricity without requiring fireproof barriers, simplifying installation and reducing costs compared to conventional solutions.