Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for acknowledging the important of battery electricity storage systems. They are vital assets to the overall operation and reliability of our electricity network during Ireland's renewable energy transition. It is not correct to say that there are no guidelines in place. The electricity storage policy framework for Ireland was published in July 2024 in line with the climate action plan. Chapter 4 of that policy framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid-connected electricity storage systems, including lithium ion battery electricity storage systems that deliver electric energy to the grid. The chapter also provides for the roles and remits of the various regulatory authorities and organisations in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of the grid scale electricity storage system in Ireland. The Senator may not have had an opportunity to read that but I am happy to ask the office of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to forward that document to her. Specifically, chapter 4 may address some of the questions she has raised here today.