Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

15. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department will outline the safety evaluations they considered in relation to lithium-ion battery energy storage systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57521/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In line with Climate Action Plan Action EL/24/16, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland was published by my Department in July 2024.

Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid connected electricity storage systems, including stationary battery electricity storage systems (S-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 connected electricity storage systems in Ireland. While the policy framework delivers this overview it is a matter for each institution or Department to implement their remits in line with their governing legislation.

All batteries in Ireland are manufactured, sold and operated in line with relevant EU regulation and standards. This includes safety testing, certification and labelling for the marketing and the putting into service of batteries used in grid-connected electrical storage systems.

EU Directive (2023/1542), ‘Concerning Batteries & Waste Batteries’, sets out the homogenisation of electricity storage batteries as well as safety testing and certification requirements relevant to grid-connected electrical storage systems. This includes amongst other technology types, Lithium-Ion Battery Electricity Storage System (li-BESS).