Recent explosions involving lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have prompted Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) to warn consumers about the dangers of misusing these batteries. Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell emphasized the importance of using reputable brands and sticking with the chargers supplied with the batteries, rather than mixing and matching charges or using cheap imports. He also cautioned against attempting to make self-made batteries using instructions from YouTube or the internet, as these have resulted in home fires. FRNSW recently responded to incidents involving faulty Li-ion e-bike batteries, including an explosion and fire in an inner-city apartment and an explosion in a hostel that injured two backpackers.
To address the growing number of battery-related fires and explosions, FRNSW has advised the public to avoid charging e-bikes in stairways, exit doors, or common areas. Instead, they should be charged in a safe place outside to prevent obstruction in the event of a fire. From January to June 2023, there were 114 lithium battery-related fires involving power packs, chargers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and portable power banks. Comparing the first half of 2023 to the same period in 2022, there has been nearly a 20 percent increase in battery-related incidents.
The issue of safe disposal of batteries has also been raised. The NSW Sutherland Shire Council has experienced seven significant incidents where garbage trucks caught fire due to Li-ion batteries being improperly disposed of in bins. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe urged households to take responsibility for their battery waste and recycle them at collection sites or through council e-waste services. She emphasized that recycling batteries is better for the environment and safer.
The Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a report linking one fatality and multiple injuries to Li-ion batteries. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe called on the government to address the safe design and sustainable disposal of batteries. The Australian Battery Industry Association (ABIA) and the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI) supported the ACCC’s recommendations and called for federal and state governments to implement safe disposal practices.
Despite the concerns surrounding battery safety, the Australian battery recycling industry is projected to grow significantly, contributing around $1.3 billion in value and creating 6,000 jobs, according to ABRI. ABRI CEO Katharine Hole highlighted the growth of the Li-ion battery industry and its role in supplying Australian manufacturing with low carbon minerals, enhancing critical minerals security, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 95 percent of materials from batteries can be recovered for alternative use or turned into new batteries, aligning with the goals of a circular economy.
To support the development of the battery industry, Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic initiated consultations for Australia’s first National Battery Strategy. This strategy aims to promote large-scale uptake and manufacture of batteries to support the country’s transition towards a net-zero carbon emissions future, as well as to align with the National Electric Vehicle Strategy and Critical Minerals Strategy. Battery technology is seen as crucial for grid-scale capacity, powering homes, and electrifying the transport sector.