Backup Fuel Storage: What We Learned from Heathrow

Published 31st March 2025

The recent fire at the North Hyde electrical substation near Heathrow Airport served as a stark reminder of just how vulnerable critical infrastructure can be. With over 1,300 flights cancelled and thousands of homes and businesses left without power, the ripple effect of the disruption was felt far and wide — impacting operations, travel, and safety. For many organisations, this reinforces the urgent need for backup fuel storage solutions that are reliable, compliant, and tailored to specific power demands.

While investigations into the cause are ongoing, one thing is clear: business continuity planning is no longer optional. It’s essential — especially when it comes to power resilience.

Why Backup Power Systems Matter More Than Ever
Events like the Heathrow substation fire highlight the importance of having a robust and reliable backup power strategy. For many organisations — whether in aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics — even a short power outage can lead to significant losses, safety concerns, and reputational damage.

At Fuel Storage Solutions, we specialise in helping businesses stay operational, even when the unexpected happens.

Our Role in Keeping You Switched On
We provide a full range of services to support the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of backup generators, including:

Custom Fuel Storage Solutions:
We design and install fuel storage systems tailored to your specific backup generator requirements — whether for a single site or multiple locations.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspections:
Regular fuel polishing, tank inspections, and preventative maintenance help ensure your system is always ready when you need it most.

Compliance & Safety Assurance:
We stay on top of evolving regulatory standards to keep your site safe, certified, and audit-ready at all times.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Test Your System:
The Heathrow incident is a powerful reminder: fuel resilience is business resilience.

Whether you already have a backup system in place or are considering one, now is the time to assess whether your fuel storage and maintenance processes are truly fit for purpose.

Let’s make sure you’re not caught off guard.

Contact us today to book a consultation or learn more about how we can support your continuity planning.