Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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57. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will review the need for a licence to be required to erect a battery storage facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is responsible inter alia, for the licensing of electricity storage, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market, electricity storage grid connections, including Hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.

The licensing of battery electricity storage systems (BESS) is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under Section 14.1(n) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.

In this instance the Commission for Regulation of Utilities are the appropriate organisation to provide information regarding any need to review the licensing of battery electricity storage systems (BESS).

Electricity storage systems, including BESS, are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. These systems not only help to increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, aiding Ireland's energy transition journey and playing an Important role in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets.