Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has had discussions with the HSA on the enforcement of the Seveso III Directive in relation to battery energy storage systems. [21387/24]
View answerThe Seveso III Directive was implemented by the Chemicals Act and the Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances or COMAH Regulations 2015. The COMAH Regulations have a strong and explicit link to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations (CLP). I am advised that, under the CLP, a battery, as part of a battery energy storage system (BESS), is not considered a substance or mixture and is therefore not a dangerous substance under the Seveso of the COMAH regulations. Consequently, the Seveso III Directive does not apply to BESS. The Seveso III Directive is under the remit of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), who lie under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Electricity storage systems, including BESS, are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. These systems not only help to increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, aiding Ireland's energy transition journey and playing an Important role in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets.
The electricity storage policy framework is currently under development in my Department. The Electricity storage policy framework will include an overview of the present safety and regulatory systems in place for electricity storage systems. Different aspects of the safety of these battery electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations and agencies and the Department has, and will continue, to engage with the relevant agencies in relation to these regulations.
