Which steps are involved in the commissioning of an ESS?

• A. Budget approval, marketing, installation, and retirement.
• B. Planning, installation, initial testing, performance verification, documentation, and handover.
• C. Design, procurement, installation, and closure.
• D. Site selection, zoning, and regulatory waiver.

Answer: (B)

Commissioning an ESS is the process of verifying that the system, after installation, is ready to operate safely and as designed. The steps in this process flow from planning through handover. Planning establishes the scope, acceptance criteria, safety requirements, and how verification will be conducted. Installation ensures all components are correctly integrated with the controls, electrical, ventilation, and fire protection systems. Initial testing confirms basic operability and safety features such as interlocks, alarms, wiring integrity, and protective devices. Performance verification checks that the ESS delivers the required capabilities under expected loads and conditions, including safety system performance, efficiency, and response to faults. Documentation gathers and preserves drawings, equipment data, calibration records, test results, operating and maintenance manuals, and training materials. Handover transfers responsibility to operations, providing staff training and access to manuals and procedures for safe, ongoing operation and maintenance. Other activities like design, procurement, site selection, or business steps such as budgeting and marketing occur earlier or outside the commissioning process.