Abstract: An energy storage unit capable of controlling a thermal runaway, comprising an enclosure for housing battery modules for energy storage, a movable panel configurable between a closed position and an open position, a controllable actuator, connected to the movable panel, for moving the movable panel from the closed position to the open position, at least one sensor capable of measuring environmental parameters of the interior of the enclosure and a control unit connected to the sensor and the controllable actuator, for automatically activating the actuator and moving the panel from the closed position to the open position when at least one of the measured environmental parameters is indicative of thermal runaway, so that heat and explosive gases generated by the thermal runaway can escape outside the enclosure. A method for controlling a thermal runaway phenomenon of an energy storage unit comprising battery modules is also described.