Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

28. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to address concerns around energy storage systems (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38562/24]

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

The details supplied by the Deputy reference lithium-ion batteries (Li-BESS), which have a variety of uses and are categorised into the following categories: mobile phone; sensor and radio communication device batteries; light means of transport batteries (batteries used in wheeled vehicle, like an electric scooter), such as those referred to; 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.

Electricity storage systems, including Li-BESS, are critical in providing flexibility to the Irish electricity system. Electricity storage systems increase the volume of renewable electricity on the grid as well as providing grid efficiency functions.

Chapter 4 of the Energy Storage Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, including battery electricity storage systems (BESS) 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.