Securing the Energy Transition: Physical Security for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
As the world accelerates toward renewable energy adoption, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as critical infrastructure for grid stability and energy independence. These facilities store massive amounts of electrical energy, especially from renewable sources, and represent significant capital investments, making them attractive targets for theft, vandalism, and potential terrorist activities. The distributed nature of BESS deployments—from utility-scale installations to smaller commercial and industrial sites—creates security challenges that require robust, resilient protection solutions.
From a physical security perspective, BESS facilities present both opportunities and challenges. Their relatively compact footprint compared to traditional power plants allows for comprehensive perimeter protection, while their high-value contents and critical grid functions demand multi-layered security approaches. Additionally, the potential for thermal runaway and battery fires creates both environmental and safety hazards that make unauthorized access prevention even more critical for protecting personnel and surrounding communities, necessitating specialized security plans when obtaining local and regional approvals.
Senstar: A Proven Track Record Protecting Critical Electrical Infrastructure
Senstar has extensive experience protecting electrical infrastructure of all types, including the growing BESS market. Senstar technology protects generation, transmission, and distribution sites of all sizes (including over 25% of all nuclear facilities worldwide!) and is increasingly being deployed at BESS installations. With Senstar’s extensive portfolio, BESS operators benefit from world-class systems while working with a single, trusted vendor.
Security Outside, At, and Inside the Perimeter
Senstar offers a range of high-performance, field-proven perimeter intrusion detection sensors ideal for BESS facilities, making us a “one stop-shop” for multi-layered security solutions, from the outer perimeter to sensitive internal battery storage areas to centalized video surveillance:
- FiberPatrol FP1150 – Point-locating fiber optic sensor for large utility-scale installations with 25+ year cable life and exceptional sensitivity and nuisance alarm rejection.
- FiberPatrol FP400 – Compact, cost-effective fiber optic solution for smaller commercial deployments.
- FlexZone – Cable-based sensor with point-locating capabilities, ideal for cost-effective perimeter protection.
- Senstar LM100 – A popular solution for protecting electrical utilities, the Senstar LM100 combining both deterrence and detection security functions. The system acts as a powerful deterrent against intruders, detecting and illuminating them at the fence line.
- Smart 3D LiDAR – Excels in protecting high-value equipment and open areas, providing detailed coverage inside the perimeter as well as serving as a gap-fill solution for problematic areas. A key part of a multi-layered security approach, its high-resolution 3D point cloud simplifies the creation of three-dimensional alarm zones.
- Senstar TC200 – Dual-spectrum AI camera combining thermal and visible detection for 24-hour coverage. A wide FOV enables it to cover large areas, minimizing infrastructure requirements.
- Senstar MultiSensor – Multiple detection technologies with embedded sensor fusion engine eliminates nuisance alarms while providing the highest level of protection for perimeters, buildings, equipment and open areas.
A Common Operating Platform for Improved Situational Awareness
Intrusion detection is only the first step to security at BESS facilities. To assist security personnel in detecting, assessing, and responding to threats, Senstar has developed powerful video and security management features for the Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform, a modular system that combines security management, video management, access control, and video analytics under a unified interface. With Senstar Symphony, security personnel, both on-site or remote can maintain situational awareness, knowing exactly what is happening where, and take necessary actions.
Senstar Symphony includes support for a range of enhanced security and data intelligence features, including:
- AI-powered video analytics for tracking intruders, personnel, and vehicles
- Link metadata from energy management systems with video and thermal images captured by surveillance systems, providing enhanced remote assessment and verification of equipment status.
- Face recognition and ALPR for streamlined access control
Designed for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Senstar products are cybersecurity-tested and support open interfaces and certified integrations with third-party systems. BESS facilities represent long-term infrastructure investments, making the security and video systems at these facilities an investment that needs to provide protection and value for many years. With over 40 years of experience protecting critical infrastructure worldwide, Senstar’s proven products, industry expertise, and trusted partnerships ensure reliable, future-ready security solutions.
For More Information
For information on how Senstar can help protect your BESS facility, contact your local Senstar representative.