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 ✉ e-mail me
đź“ž + 44 7587 159 875
 ✉ e-mail me
đź“ž + 44 7587 159 875

Paul Christensen

Expert in Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

In a world powered by lithium-ion batteries, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a necessity. Professor Paul Christensen, a globally recognised leader in lithium-ion battery safety, is dedicated to advancing research and practical solutions for the safe integration of this transformative technology.

As Professor Emeritus of Electrochemistry at Newcastle University, Paul brings over 39 years of academic expertise to the forefront of battery safety. His groundbreaking research has revolutionised our understanding of hazards like thermal runaway, vapour cloud explosions, and fire suppression in large-scale lithium-ion systems. Trusted by government agencies, fire safety organisations, and industries worldwide, Paul’s work has saved lives and informed critical safety standards across the globe.

Electrical Safety Innovation Award 2024

Why Paul Christensen’s Work Matters

Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of modern energy storage, but their benefits come with significant risks. Fires, explosions, and environmental impacts pose challenges that require urgent and informed solutions. Paul Christensen’s research directly addresses these challenges:
  • Groundbreaking Discoveries: First to highlight the risk of vapour cloud explosions from battery failures.
  • Practical Impact: Advisory roles with the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, Dstl, and the Faraday Battery Challenge.
  • Global Influence: His research underpins international safety protocols, protecting lives and infrastructure.
From domestic energy storage systems to electric vehicle safety in conflict zones, Paul is at the centre of efforts to make lithium-ion technology safer for everyone.

Information video on LiB fires and explosions, funded by Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade. 

services

Advice and guidance on

All Aspects of Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Including codes, regulations and standards.

 

Practical Aspects of Lithium-Ion Battery Fire and Explosion Testing

Up to and including electric vehicles and Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Test Facilities for Larger Lithium-Ion Battery Fires and Explosions

EV Infrastructure in Airports, Hospitals, eBus Depots, Underground Parking, Tunnels and Mines

Outline and Final Battery Safety Management Plans & Emergency Response Plans for BESS Planning Applications

Legal consultancy

As a freelance consultant for Burgoynes.

Featured Projects

My Experience

As a trusted advisor and scientist, I’m proud to have received recognition for my contributions to battery safety

NEWS

See my Blog for latest news
and posts.

Testimonials

Edinburgh University Formula Student are aiming to be the first UK team to compete with their own design of ADS-DV car and high power battery management and safety has been a key challenge in achieving this. Paul delivered a session and led discussions on safe battery handling and management which was hugely insightful and interactive allowing the team to appreciate the safe handling of battery packs. The sessions and discussions were informed by Paul’s rich experience and knowledge in the area of battery safety and has been instrumental  in informing teams safe battery operations and has provided direction and confidence for the team.

Dr Aymer Syed

Edinburgh University

Dr. Paul Christensen’s risk assessment of the Apollo Fire Test Facility was nothing short of exceptional. His deep knowledge and expertise in fire risks associated with lithium-ion battery test fires were evident throughout the process.

His recommendations were thorough, practical, and tailored to our unique needs, providing us with the confidence to operate safely and efficiently.

Michal Ozon

Lead Validation Engineer, Apollo-Fire

Fire safety associated with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is paramount to Elements Green, and the renewable industry as a whole. Paul’s wealth of knowledge and experience was paramount to the recent planning success of our Staythorpe BESS scheme. This is a complex matter, and Paul was able to ensure our designs and Outline Fire Safety Management Plan (oFSMP) were industry leading. This enabled Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to agree to our oFSMP.

John Hetherton

Head of Project Delivery, UK, Elements Green

PFPNet contracted Lithiumionsafety Ltd to provide a an overview and insight into the potential fire events from thermal runaway of a lithium ion battery and in particular the impact on infrastructure items. The work provided great insight into the different types of battery, the failure modes, the hazards from thermal runaway events including the potential for escalation, and mitigation means.

John Evans

Dr Paul Christensen’s deep technical expertise in lithium-ion battery safety has been invaluable to supporting TRL deliver a groundbreaking project for to support TfL’s bus decarbonisation strategy. His in-depth knowledge of lithium-ion battery hazards and practical guidance have significantly enhanced our understanding of how these critical safety risks can be managed for electric buses. Dr Christensen’s contributions have been instrumental in ensuring our project’s success and advancing the safety of the future of sustainable urban transport.

Dr. Phil Martin

Head of Transport Safety, TRL

As a residential apartment block located above a car park for 150 vehicles, it is essential that we understand the consequences of car owners switching to EVs. Prof Christensen’s advice has opened our eyes to vital risk management issues that we hadn’t previously been aware of and are now embracing.

Simon Carne

Chairman, R G Kensington Management Company Ltd

Paul has provided advice for a number of our UK BESS projects – he offers excellent comprehensive concise advice; customer focused with timely delivery.

James Davis

Head of Planning & Development, BW ESS

Professor Paul Christensen has acted as a consultant to Burgoynes in the field of lithium-ion batteries.  His responsiveness and expertise in this field are most valued in supporting related live incident response and investigations.

Frank Anderson

Partner, Burgoynes

Professor Paul Christensen’s profound knowledge and expertise in lithium-ion battery technology, process safety, and emergency response were invaluable to Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK during the development of our new assembly plant. His guidance on managing the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries was particularly critical. Professor Christensen not only helped us establish robust safety standards but also played a pivotal role in educating our team on the potential hazards and the importance of proactive measures. His clear and concise presentations, such as the one on the dangers of thermal runaway and the criticality of immediate evacuation, instilled a strong safety culture within our organisation.
Professor Christensen effectively communicated complex scientific concepts to our workforce in a clear and accessible manner. He emphasised the importance of recognising early warning signs, understanding the limitations of firefighting measures, and the criticality of a swift and coordinated response in case of an emergency.
Professor Christensen’s significant contributions were instrumental in enhancing employee safety and ensuring the successful launch of our new assembly plant.
Jack Coing

Facility Planning Engineer, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK

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Let’s Make the World Safer Together

Join me in championing lithium-ion safety. Whether you’re an industry leader, policymaker, or first responder, I’m here to collaborate, advise, and innovate. Explore my research, connect on LinkedIn, or reach out directly to discover how we can build a safer future together. 

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