Upcoming IChemE Safety Centre Webinar: Modelling Battery Hazards for Safer Operations

Join us for an in‑depth webinar exploring the main battery types used in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the hazards associated with them, and the methods used for consequence and risk modelling.

As BESS technology continues to expand across the energy sector, a clear understanding of battery chemistries, failure modes, and risk assessment techniques is becoming increasingly important. This session will provide practical insights to help professionals navigate the evolving safety landscape around energy storage.

IChemE Safety Centre: Modelling Battery Hazards for Safer Operations takes place online on 24 March 2026, 14:00-15:00 AEST.

Why is this important?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a vital role in supporting renewable energy, grid stability, and decarbonisation efforts. However, they also introduce unique hazards, including thermal runaway, fire, explosion, and toxic gas release, that require robust understanding and careful management.

This webinar will help attendees:

• understand the key battery types used in BESS and their characteristics
• recognise the hazards associated with different chemistries and system designs
• explore methods for consequence and risk modelling
• strengthen their ability to assess and manage risks across the lifecycle of BESS installations.

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for:

• Process safety and risk management professionals
• Engineers working in energy, utilities, or storage technologies
• HSE practitioners and safety specialists
• Researchers and technical experts
• Regulators and policymakers involved in energy systems
• Anyone looking to deepen their understanding of BESS hazards and modelling approaches

Speaker

Sonia Ruiz Pérez, Product Manager, Gexcon

Sonia is the Product Manager for Gexcon’s Effects and Rickcurves software, leading the development of advanced consequence and risk modelling tools for assessing accidental chemical releases.

With a background in chemical and process engineering and over a decade of experience in process safety, Sonia is an expert in fire, explosion, and dispersion modelling. She has contributed to model development, scientific publications, and validation studies to support the accuracy and reliability of safety assessments.

In her role, Sonia works closely with research, development, marketing, and industry partners to ensure modelling tools evolve in line with emerging safety challenges. She regularly delivers technical training, webinars, and industry workshops to support the safe deployment of technologies across sectors, including (petro) chemicals, oil and gas, mining, CCUS, hydrogen, ammonia, and battery energy storage systems.