The transition to renewable energy is essential for sustainable development, in which advanced energy-efficient storage solutions, in particular rechargeable batteries, play a key role. Batteries are becoming increasingly important not only for electric mobility and grid balancing, but also for industrial and residential applications. However, as energy density increases, so do safety risks such as thermal runaway, which can jeopardise user confidence. The aim of this study is to examine the battery technology value chain at a systemic level, with a particular focus on the role of safety testing and technological innovation. The research identifies three main gaps in literature: the lack of value chain level integration, the under-representation of AI-based safety technologies, and the limited comparison of regional (EU, US, Asia) regulatory regimes. By examining the interrelationships between material selection (cathode, anode), cell design, testing protocols and regulatory environment, the study highlights the complex challenges and development directions for battery energy storage. The study reviewed global industry trends and critically assessed forecasts and analyses from international consultancies such as Ernst & Young (EY). These concluded that thorough testing of lithium-ion batteries is key to ensuring long-term reliability, safety and performance by reducing operational risks and increasing product efficiency. Advanced testing infrastructure not only serves quality control and regulatory compliance, but also makes a fundamental contribution to increasing energy efficiency and supporting the green transition. For Europe in particular, it is of paramount importance to expand testing capacities to enable the continent to take a leading role in the safe and sustainable development of batteries.

Standardised battery tests are essential for evaluating the safety, reliability, and performance of modern battery technologies, especially with the rapid emergence of innovations such as solid-state and lithium–sulphur batteries. This review reveals critical shortcomings in current international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE, SAE), which often do not keep pace with technological developments and are not harmonised across regions, limiting their effectiveness in real-world applications. The paper stresses the need for the continuous review of test protocols through collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and regulators. A detailed case study of the BYD Dolphin battery demonstrates the practical importance of comprehensive testing in real-world conditions, spanning electrical, thermal, and mechanical ranges. The review concludes that up-to-date, harmonised, and scenario-specific test methods are needed to ensure accurate battery assessment, support global comparability, and enable the safe introduction of next-generation batteries for electric mobility and energy storage. Future work should prioritise operational monitoring, open access data sharing, and the development of sustainability-focused practices such as recycling and reclamation.

In an era where sustainability has become a pivotal concern, the battery industry emerges as a beacon of hope for innovation and economic transformation. Batteries are a cornerstone of sustainable development. They provide an essential energy storage function, facilitating the transition to renewable energy sources and decarbonization. Batteries enable efficient storage and distribution of renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This results in mitigating environmental pollution and contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape. Batteries are, therefore, a fundamental driver of both energy and environmental sustainability. The integration of testing capacities in battery factories and third-party locations is crucial for ensuring product reliability, safety, and performance. In turn, this reinforces market confidence and consumer adoption of the new sustainable applications batteries support. By investing in advanced testing facilities, the industry adheres to stringent quality standards and promotes technological advancements and R&D. This contributes to the economic and sustainable growth of the sector. This approach demonstrates a commitment to continuous innovation, product excellence, and a multitude of sustainability factors, highlighting the essential role of testing in the burgeoning battery industry. In summary, the battery industry is at the intersection of sustainability and economic growth. Our publication shows how the strategic infrastructure development of the innovation-focused battery sector can offer a new perspective on achieving sustainable and economic growth and how it can play a key role in this global transformation.