Navigating the Compliance Challenges of Data Center Battery Rules Across Countries
Navigating the Compliance Challenges of Data Center Battery Rules Across Countries
The management of lithium batteries used in data centers is becoming increasingly complex, with regulations differing across nations. As demand for battery energy storage systems (ESS) surges, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, it becomes critical for data center operators to navigate these regulatory disparities effectively. Americase International is poised to tackle this topic at the 2026 Open Compute Project (OCP) Global Summit, occurring from October 12 to 15 at the San Jose Convention Center.
In recent years, incidents of battery failures in critical settings have underscored the importance of clear and consistent guidelines. A notable example was the lithium-ion battery fire at South Korea's National Information Resources Service data center in Daejeon. On September 26, 2025, a fire broke out during maintenance when an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery was being relocated. The incident highlighted the necessity for stringent regulations surrounding the shipping, installation, storage, and disposal of lithium batteries, especially as data centers enhance their energy storage capacities.
At the forthcoming event, the session titled "The Compliance Gap ESS Safety in the Age of AI Infrastructure" will delve into critical findings from an Open Compute Project white paper published in January 2026. This document compiles various global codes and standards applicable to energy storage within hyperscale and AI data centers. Mike Pagel, a Senior Consultant at HazMat Safety Consulting—affiliated with Americase International—and a contributor to the white paper, will be part of this panel discussion, moderated by Joel Chakkalakal, the Director of Data Centers and Sustainability at Americase.
Pagel remarked on the rapid advancements in energy storage investment at AI data centers, which are outpacing existing regulations. He explained that operators often discover compliance issues only when shipping delays arise or insurance problems surface. "This panel aims to replace guesswork with actionable insights, allowing teams to make informed decisions immediately."
The session is designed to explore how U.S. and international codes for battery handling and operations may conflict or overlap. Additionally, it will address whether newer battery chemistries, such as nickel-zinc, require different treatment compared to established lithium-ion codes. By identifying compliance gaps, the session aims to minimize risk for operators, equipment manufacturers, and supply chain partners.
Panelists and Their Expertise
- - Joel Chakkalakal (Moderator): Bringing insight from an active role within the OCP community, he specializes in supply chain issues, regulatory compliance, and data center safety.
- - Mike Pagel: An expert in lithium battery regulations, he offers in-depth knowledge about dangerous goods transport and lifecycle safety, shaped through years of consulting experience.
- - Shrikanth "Sri" Venkateshappa: A co-author of the white paper, he contributes valuable perspective on account management across different jurisdictions.
- - Mauro Leuce: This panelist provides an operator's viewpoint regarding the deployment and management challenges of energy storage systems amid diverse regulatory scenarios.
Session Details:
- - Title: The Compliance Gap ESS Safety in the Age of AI Infrastructure
- - Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- - Time: 8:40 - 9:05 AM PDT
- - Location: Room 210CG, San Jose Convention Center, California
This session is pivotal for hyperscale and colocation operators, fire protection engineers, and procurement leaders responsible for the regulatory aspects of energy storage deployment. Importantly, attendees are not required to read the OCP white paper in advance, as the session is designed to be accessible to all.
Americase International, the driving force behind this initiative, integrates engineering solutions and safety compliance strategies. With a robust history since 1985, they cater to sectors that include electronics, aerospace, and energy storage, underscoring their commitment to ensuring not just compliance but also safety in hazardous environments. For additional information on the discussion and its relevance in today’s fast-evolving technological landscape, visit Americase International's event page.
Topics Business Technology）
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