Hithium sets a new global benchmark in energy storage safety at SNEC 2025 by unveiling results of the world’s first large-scale open-door fire test.
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| Hithium earns UL certification after completing the world’s first open-door fire test, showcasing unmatched resilience of its 5MWh ∞Block energy storage system. Image: Hithium |
SHANGHAI, China — June 14, 2025:
Hithium, a global leader in energy storage solutions, has made history by conducting the world’s first large-scale open-door fire test of its 5MWh ∞Block energy storage system. The test results were unveiled on June 11 at the 18th SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference in Shanghai, during a high-profile event themed “Leading the Future, Forged for Safety.”
The demonstration offered a rare and transparent look into how Hithium’s safety architecture performs under the most extreme conditions. In the test, eight battery cells in Container A were deliberately overheated to induce thermal runaway. This triggered gas release and ignition, simulating a worst-case fire scenario. The container’s doors were left fully open throughout the process, allowing for unrestricted oxygen flow and maximizing heat exposure to three adjacent containers—B, C, and D. The fire test also introduced several high-risk factors: a complete 100% state of charge, minimal 15-centimeter spacing between units, and a deactivated fire suppression system.
At the peak of the fire, temperatures soared to 1,372°C. Yet, despite this extreme heat, all adjacent containers remained structurally unaffected. Sensors recorded cell temperatures in adjacent bins far below thermal runaway thresholds—staying at or below 42°C in Bin B, 80°C in Bin C, and 70°C in Bin D. After 15 hours of sustained combustion, the initiating container retained its structural integrity, and the fire did not propagate to nearby units. The internal battery modules in the adjacent containers remained completely intact, while only minor surface damage was observed externally.
This unprecedented outcome was made possible by Hithium’s multi-layered safety architecture. At the cell level, the company utilizes heat-resistant electrode materials, functional electrolyte additives, and high-temperature separators to raise thermal thresholds. At the module level, components are protected by low-conductivity insulation and flame-retardant casings. At the system level, Hithium employs a reinforced container frame and heat-resistant housing materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures without deforming or collapsing.
During the event, UL Solutions awarded Hithium official certification for passing the large-scale fire test in compliance with UL 9540A and NFPA 855 standards. Speaking at the certification ceremony, Qifeng Xiao, Asia Pacific business manager for Energy and Automation at UL Solutions, said, “Hithium’s groundbreaking extreme open-door fire test was the first to be conducted under full oxygen exposure—far exceeding the industry standard of the closed-door, explosion-vented fire test. The positive result not only confirmed the system’s self-contained fire protection but also created a valuable reference for the development of global energy storage safety standards.”
Project manager Hualei Wang emphasized that the data gathered from this test will serve not only to validate Hithium’s engineering but also as a critical benchmark for the broader energy storage industry. The company’s confidence in sharing its results openly reflects a commitment to transparency and leadership in safety innovation.
As global demand for clean energy solutions accelerates, Hithium’s successful fire test underscores the company’s role in shaping the future of energy storage. With a focus on safety, reliability, and engineering excellence, Hithium is setting new standards that will help secure the transition to a greener and more resilient energy ecosystem.