Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries (details supplied); and if he intends to develop an appropriate safety standard for battery energy storage systems in the State. [31148/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The details supplied reference a manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a variety of uses and can fall into any of the following categories: mobile phone, sensor and radio communication device batteries, such as those referred to, light means of transport batteries (batteries used in wheeled vehicle, like an electric scooter), electric vehicle batteries and industrial batteries. Lithium-ion batteries used for large grid-scale, front of meter battery electricity storage systems fall under the industrial battery definition.

In regard to large grid-scale, front of meter battery electricity storage systems, I am pleased to announce that, in line with our Climate Action Plan commitments, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday the 2nd of July and was subsequently published on my Department's website on Thursday the 4th of July.

The Policy Framework addresses the role of grid-scale electricity storage on the grid network in the immediate and near term, outlining the present roles, technical processes, market positions and regulatory structures of electricity storage in Ireland.

Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid scale electricity storage systems in the European and Irish contexts. The chapter also provides the roles and remits of various regulatory authorities and organisations in relation to standards, planning, construction, licencing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.