Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
207. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when planning guidelines on the development of battery storage units will be introduced given there are no guidelines at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5638/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 recognises the important role of energy storage in facilitating the transition to higher levels of renewable energy on the system. The Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications has committed to developing a storage policy that supports the 2030 CAP targets with a decision to be published early next year. In combination, the CRU will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives which is to be completed by the end of 2023.
EirGrid has reported that a number of battery projects have been contracted via two mechanisms: SEM Capacity Auctions and DS3 Systems Services. These routes offer different but essential services to the power system on the island of Ireland. Planning policy and related guidelines are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) in the first instance and not one in which I have any direct function. As such, it would ultimately be a matter for the minister of that department to bring battery storage guidelines forward, in consultation with my Department, in the event they are required. To date, there have been no discussions between DECC and the DHLGH on this subject and any decision to engage in such dialogue would arise following a determination of the need for such guidelines.
