VinEnergo Secures UL 9540 Certification for 5 MWh BESS in Vietnam
The short answer
VinEnergo announced on November 10 that its 5 MWh battery energy storage system has obtained UL 9540 safety certification. This milestone validates the system’s safety profile, enabling VinEnergo to compete in North American and European markets with strict technical standards.
Key facts
- Capacity
- 5 MWh
- Energy
- 5 MWh
- COD or milestone
- UL 9540 certification secured on November 10
- Offtaker or owner
- VinEnergo Energy Joint Stock Company
- Location
- Ha Tinh, Vietnam
VinEnergo’s 5 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), developed and manufactured in Vietnam, has secured UL 9540 safety certification. This milestone supports the modernization of the national power grid and advances the shift toward clean energy sources within the country.
On November 10, VinEnergo Energy Joint Stock Company announced that its domestically produced 5 MWh BESS had obtained UL 9540 safety certification. This marks the first time a BESS manufactured in Southeast Asia has received this specific UL 9540 approval.
UL 9540 is an international safety standard for energy storage systems (ESS) and associated equipment, established by the independent testing body UL Solutions (Underwriters Laboratories).
The VinEnergo BESS is produced at the VinES battery storage facility in Ha Tinh. The system employs active liquid cooling technology to regulate battery cell temperatures, minimize thermal disparities between cells, and extend the overall operational lifespan of the installation.
The system incorporates proactive fire prevention and suppression measures, featuring early detection, alerting, incident isolation, and the automatic activation of extinguishing mechanisms at the earliest stages of a potential hazard.
To secure UL 9540 certification, the system underwent UL 9540A testing, which focuses on assessing the likelihood and propagation of thermal runaway, fire risks, and gas emissions within the energy storage system. The outcomes of these tests provided the technical foundation for the safety evaluation and subsequent certification of the system under the UL 9540 standard.
Beyond UL 9540, VinEnergo’s battery energy storage system (BESS) has obtained UL 1973, IEC 62619, and IEC 63056 certifications, and holds test reports compliant with IEC 62933-5-2, NFPA 68, and NFPA 69 standards.
The evaluation, testing, and certification processes were conducted by UL Solutions, an organization with over 130 years of experience in product safety, testing, inspection, and certification.
Securing UL 9540 certification is expected to streamline VinEnergo’s battery energy storage system products’ entry into global markets, particularly those in North America, Europe, and Asia that enforce stringent safety and technical standards.
Nguyen Huong Giang, the permanent deputy general director of VinEnergo Energy Joint Stock Company, stated that the firm views energy storage as a core technological focus area. This initiative supports the modernization of the electrical grid and facilitates the shift toward clean energy sources in Vietnam.
The company is expanding its research, development, and manufacturing capabilities to integrate battery energy storage systems (BESS) into practical applications and operations. The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises within the global energy market.
To date, VinEnergo has supplied and installed over 1.6 GWh of energy storage batteries for projects involving multiple power companies under the Vietnam Electricity Group, as well as domestic and international entities such as Marubeni, MM Mega Market, and the Nghi Son 2 power plant.
Recently, the company commissioned a 45 MWh battery energy storage system integrated with solar power to supply its industrial complex located in the Vung Ang industrial park in Ha Tinh province.
Pvola take
This certification removes a significant barrier for Vietnamese manufacturers seeking to export to regulated markets. By meeting the rigorous UL 9540A testing standards, VinEnergo demonstrates that domestic production can satisfy international safety requirements, strengthening its position against established global competitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of VinEnergo's 5 MWh BESS receiving UL 9540 certification in Southeast Asia?
It is the first time a BESS manufactured in Southeast Asia has received this specific UL 9540 approval. This milestone supports the modernization of the national power grid and advances the shift toward clean energy sources within the country.
What safety and performance features are integrated into the VinEnergo 5 MWh battery energy storage system?
The system employs active liquid cooling technology to regulate battery cell temperatures and minimize thermal disparities. It also incorporates proactive fire prevention measures, including early detection, alerting, and automatic activation of extinguishing mechanisms.
How does the UL 9540 certification impact VinEnergo's ability to serve international clients and large-scale projects?
The certification provides the technical foundation for safety evaluation and supports projects involving multiple power companies and international entities. VinEnergo has already commissioned a 45 MWh BESS integrated with solar power for its industrial complex in Ha Tinh.