CBI Partners with NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) on Nuclear Battery Reliability Project

CBI is leading a significant new project commissioned by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), focused on valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries used in Class 1E safety systems at nuclear power plants.

As part of this initiative, CBI has convened an expert advisory group made up of the leading manufacturers of nuclear-grade back-up batteries in the U.S. and Europe. This includes EnerSys, C&D Trojan, East Penn Manufacturing, Stryten Energy, and Hoppecke. Companies with deep expertise and long-standing experience in supporting critical infrastructure. 

The advisory group plays a central role in the project, offering guidance, technical feedback, and industry insight at every stage. This direct collaboration ensures that the work is grounded in real-world needs and challenges, particularly as nuclear facilities continue to demand highly reliable, long-duration back-up power.

The work showcases how VRLA products are used in safety critical backup in Europe, focusing on the qualification and commissioning steps taken to ensure VRLA batteries fit all seismic and durability requirements. By analyzing failure modes, monitoring techniques, and mitigation strategies, the project aims to provide the NRC with a clearer understanding of current capabilities and future needs for VRLA battery systems in nuclear safety roles. The findings will help support regulatory decisions and guide future standards development, while also informing utilities and manufacturers about best practices for long-term battery performance and reliability.

CBI’s leadership in this study reflects its commitment to supporting advanced lead battery research in critical sectors. With nuclear energy playing an essential role in the clean energy transition, ensuring the integrity of safety-related back-up power systems has never been more important.

The NRC Task Report from CBI covers four main task areas: qualification, failure modes, mitigation strategies for failure, and replacement and acceptance criteria for VRLA in Class 1E applications at nuclear power plants.  Currently in the US, flooded or vented lead batteries (VLA) are the technology of choice.  This task report will give clear guidelines toward the formation of a new use standard for VRLA in Class 1 E.  Final submission will be in December 2025, and public release will be sometime later.