Utility-scale battery energy storage is a critical component to achieving our decarbonization objectives while maintaining a reliable and resilient power grid. Deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage capacity is accelerating dramatically in communities throughout the U.S. Specifically, this presentation will address the use cases and advantages of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS); potential hazards such as thermal runaway; and new approaches to mitigate those risks. These advancements encompass new equipment safety approaches; a four-stage approach to effective protection against thermal runaway; advancements in enclosure design; monitoring systems; standardized testing; codes and standards; safety evaluation processes; passive and active safety measures; fire suppression at the individual battery cell level; and emergency response planning. The presentation will also provide an overview of new and evolving safety standards from NFPA and UL for BESS systems that play a key role in guiding improved and consistent safety strategies and practices across the country.