In grid-scale BESS deployment, compliance with fire law, urban planning law, and noise regulations significantly affects project risk. REVIX JAPAN's TDS × NEXTES products feature a three-layer safety design — KHK-certified fire-resistant enclosure, TEPCO Group safety standards, and JC-STAR★1 security compliance — to minimize permit and approval risks and ensure long-term stable operation.
What is Fire Defense Agency Notification No. 200?
A Fire and Disaster Management Agency notification dated July 2, 2024, fully revised the operational rules for storage and handling of lithium-ion batteries. The following special provisions are recognized when the conditions for "fire-resistant enclosures and fire-resistant cabinets" are met:
- Changed method for aggregating electrolyte volumes (can be managed at approximately 5 L per enclosure)
- May be excluded from the notification requirement for small-quantity hazardous materials (200 L or more) (confirmation with the supervising fire authority is required)
- Partial relaxation of clearance requirements
Note: Even when excluded from the small-quantity hazardous materials notification, prior coordination (operational confirmation) with the supervising fire authority may still be required. The final determination depends on confirmation with the supervising fire authority.
What is KHK Certification? — "Certified" vs. "Equivalent" Are Different
While some products on the market claim to be "KHK-equivalent" or "KHK-standard compliant," REVIX JAPAN's products hold actual KHK certification. This distinction matters.
| Comparison Item | KHK-Equivalent (Self-Claimed) | KHK-Certified (Our Products) |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | No third-party evaluation | Third-party evaluation test report obtained |
| Fire authority consultations | Weak factual basis, consultations tend to be difficult | Objective proof is available |
| Volume aggregation | May be subject to aggregation | Aggregation exemption operations are available |
| Resale value | Dependent on buyer characteristics | Fire law compliance can be demonstrated based on equipment |
Request Detailed Materials on KHK-Certified Products →
KHK-Certified Fire-Resistant Enclosure Specifications
- Enclosure material: High-strength fire-resistant steel (JIS G 3302 compliant), minimum 2.3 mm thick, with surface rust-proofing treatment
- Fire protection structure: Compliant with KHK test confirmation criteria. Non-heated surface temperature confirmed at 80°C or below in a 60-minute heating test
- Standard compliance: IEC 62933-5-2 (SGS third-party certification obtained), JIS C 8715-2
Urbanization Control Area Installation Consultation Support (Individual Confirmation Required)
One of the key challenges in grid-scale BESS installation is the development permit issue in urbanization control areas.
A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism technical advisory notice dated April 8, 2025, clarified that grid-scale BESS may be classified as a "First-Category Specified Structure." When using a KHK-certified fire-resistant enclosure, even non-electric utility operators can demonstrate compliance under fire law, facilitating progress with development permit procedures.
General Guide to Permit Requirements by Zone (Overview)
| Zone | General Permit Requirement Guide |
|---|---|
| Urbanization promotion area (under 1,000 m²) | No permit required (subject to supervising authority confirmation) |
| Non-delineated urban planning area | May not require a permit depending on area |
| Urbanization control area | Generally restricted. Individual review (referral to development review board) may be required |
※ The above are general guidelines only. Final determinations require consultation with the local government and fire authority.
Multi-Layer Protection Based on TEPCO Group Safety Standards
TDS × NEXTES products are designed on a three-level multi-layer protection philosophy based on TEPCO Group safety standards.
Level 1: Prevention
- Battery cells with high thermal stability
- Thermal runaway prevention design for manufacturing and use-related factors
- Compliant with JIS C 8715-2 + TEPCO proprietary standards
Level 2: Preventing Spread
- Optimized cell spacing and air-gap structure to suppress heat propagation
- Prevention of thermal conduction and short-circuits between individual cells
Level 3: Disaster Prevention
- Containment within the fire-resistant enclosure
- Secured gas discharge routes
- Compliant with JIS C 4441 + TEPCO proprietary standards
Noise Regulation Compliance
The operating noise of grid-scale BESS is up to approximately 75 dB (per specifications). Depending on the installation location and distance from the site boundary, measures may be required to comply with noise standards for the applicable zoning (e.g., 45 dB during daytime in Type 1 residential zones).
A common misconception is that "keeping 50 m or more from residential buildings is sufficient." However, the standard for noise regulation is sound pressure at the site boundary. Standards vary by zoning and time of day, and if housing is subsequently built nearby, the standards in effect at that time apply.
REVIX JAPAN incorporates soundproofing measures and layout planning from the design stage to minimize the risk of remediation orders.
JC-STAR Security Compliance
JC-STAR Level 1 compliance labels operated by IPA (Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan) have been obtained for all major components.
| Component | Provider | Registration Number |
|---|---|---|
| Battery System (BMS) | NEXTES Corporation | 2025100600000911 |
| PCS | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | 2025100600000764 |
| EMS | Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. | 2025100600000778 |
Since JC-STAR Level 1 will be required for new grid connection projects from April 2027 onward, our products proactively comply with future requirements. This also facilitates subsidy applications and regulatory compliance.
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Consult on JC-STAR Compliance Products and Security Requirements → Safety Consultation / Materials Request →