Shell & QAES Launch World’s First Immersion-Cooled BESS: Revolutionizing Grid-Scale Storage Safety

Introduction

Shell and Chongqing-based QAES unveiled the world’s first immersion-cooled BESS at the Chongqing Energy Forum on September 24, 2025. This breakthrough adapts data-center cooling techniques to battery storage. It promises safer and more efficient grid-scale storage solutions.

This innovation tackles key challenges in battery cooling for large-scale renewable energy systems. Immersion-cooled BESS reduces fire risks and boosts energy efficiency. It sets a new standard for the industry.

Background: The Urgency of Safe, Scalable Battery Storage

Global demand for grid-scale storage surges as renewable energy expands worldwide. Traditional systems struggle with safety and efficiency issues. Immersion-cooled BESS emerges as a vital solution.

Air and cold-plate cooling methods pose serious risks in lithium-ion installations. Fire hazards from thermal runaway cause 50% of major grid accidents. Cooling consumes 20-30% of system power, driving up costs.

Battery cooling innovations are essential to close safety gaps in grid-scale storage. These systems must handle rising energy demands reliably. QAES Shell’s approach addresses these urgent needs head-on.

Trend: Immersion Cooling’s Breakout Moment

Shell and QAES partner to bring data-center cooling methods to grid-scale BESS. This marks the first such adaptation for battery storage. It disrupts traditional approaches with low-energy designs.

Global R&D investments in immersion cooling grew 65% in the 2024 U.S. Heat Pump & Storage Market. Utilities seek high-safety alternatives to outdated systems. Early adopters prioritize reliability in dense installations.

The QAES Shell collaboration combines local manufacturing expertise with Shell’s global reach. It accelerates immersion-cooled BESS adoption. This trend reshapes battery cooling for sustainable energy.

Insight: Why Immersion Cooling Transforms Battery Storage

Immersion cooling submerges batteries in dielectric fluid for even heat dissipation. This outperforms convective methods in efficiency. It eliminates fans and pumps, cutting failure points.

• Reliability boost: Systems gain 40% more uptime per industry benchmarks.
• Safety gains: Fluid quenches fires automatically, ditching retardants.
• Risk reduction: Thermal runaway drops 30% compared to cold-plate cooling per QAES data.

Economically, immersion-cooled BESS extends battery life by 25% through precise temperature control. It slashes operational energy by 15% versus air-cooled options. Grid-scale storage benefits from these cost savings.

FAQ: How does immersion cooling improve BESS safety?
It uses self-quenching fluids to suppress fires instantly, reducing thermal runaway risks by 30%.

FAQ: What are the efficiency benefits of immersion-cooled BESS?
It consumes zero energy for cooling fans, saving 15-20% on operations.

Forecast: What Immersion-Cooled BESS Means for the Energy Future

By 2025-2027, over 450MW of immersion-cooled BESS will deploy globally. Shell and QAES have pre-booked pipelines with major operators. This drives stricter safety standards for high-density zones.

By 2030, the tech could dominate 35% of new grid-scale storage installs, per IRENA projections. It spills over to EV charging and data centers. Battery cooling evolves rapidly with these advancements.

Challenges include scaling fluid costs and recycling protocols. Addressing them ensures long-term viability. QAES Shell leads in mitigating these risks as announced.

Call to Action: Embrace the Next Era of Storage

Dive into Shell and QAES’s full tech specs via the original announcement. Explore how immersion-cooled BESS transforms grid-scale storage.

Share your thoughts in the comments: What barriers or gains do you foresee for stakeholders? Join the discussion on battery cooling innovations.

Download our free whitepaper on immersion-cooling ROI, featuring a $0.07/kWh savings case study. Act now to stay ahead in energy storage.