Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if he expects that this will be published in Q2 this year; how he plans to ensure that the regulatory structure delivers high standards of safety and environmental standards; what international standards will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/24]
View answer163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if the safety standards will take account of the international recognised NFPA 855 (2023) in which all battery cells to conform with UL9540a specifications and testing (including second-life batteries) and be up to date in regard to NFPA, EPRI and independent experts in the field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/24]
View answer164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the development of a large battery storage facility at Shankill, Cavan (108mw); what measures have been put in place to address safety concerns of local residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/24]
View answer172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 132 and 133 of 21 March 2024, which body will have a safety regulatory remit when it comes to energy storage; if he expects the CRU or the Health and Safety Authority to hold this responsibility following the conclusion of a review (details supplied); where or to whom concerns about the safety of energy storage should be addressed; who currently holds this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16250/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, and 172 together.
Electricity storage systems have an important role to play in achieving Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission targets, as set out in the Climate Action Plan. Electricity storage systems are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. Electricity storage systems not only increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, ensuring the functionality of the electricity grid throughout Irelands energy transition journey.
My Department is currently drafting an Electricity storage policy framework, due for publication in Q2, 2024. This document will set out the Departments policy on electricity storage systems and their role in the wider electricity system. The Electricity storage policy framework will also include an overview of the present safety and regulatory systems in place for electricity storage systems.
To-day there is over 1 GW of electrical storage systems in operation or due for commissioning, connected to the national grid. The pumped storage facility at Turlough Hill accounts for 292 MW of this capacity. The remaining capacity consists of battery electricity storage systems (BESS). These battery electricity storage systems are a safe and proven technology incorporated throughout energy systems worldwide.
Different aspects of the safety of these battery electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations and agencies. For product standards Ireland conforms to the European (EN) standards as set out by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation (CENELEC) and the European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI). The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) works to ensure the adoption of European standards and to ensure suitable standards across the entire value chain of all electricity storage system technologies in Ireland. The EU Chemicals Act and Regulations (COMAH) are the remit of the Health and Safety Authority.
Battery electricity storage systems are subject to the same environmental controls as any other industrial or technical activity. The planning, construction and operation of these installations is subject to EU and Irish environmental rules enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the planning authorities, either the relevant local authority or An Bord Pleanála.
The planning authorities also ensure that battery storage installations are designed and built in compliance with planning legislation and building regulations and fire safety standards. Standards and guidance for buildings in general are issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and County Fire Officers work with planning authorities to ensure that electricity storage installations are designed and built in a way the ensures fire safety.
CRU is responsible inter alia, for the licencing 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.
