Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2024
25. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when it is intended to publish the electricity storage policy framework which was due to be published in Q2 of this year. [30063/24]
View answer26. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when it is intended to provide the definition and recognition of electricity storage in legislation and regulation; and if he will also provide detail on storage needs and targets, fire safety and management responsibilities and requirements. [30064/24]
View answer27. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he plans on taking measures to improve public understanding of the need for battery energy storage system infrastructure, and information on the issues of concerns, as well as mitigation measures which will be in place; and if so to provide detail on these plans. [30066/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 to 27, inclusive, together.
I am delighted to announce that, in line with our Climate Action Plan commitment, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland was approved by Government on 2 July and was subsequently published on my Departments website on 4 July.
The Policy Framework addresses the role of electricity storage on the grid network in the immediate and near term, outlining the present roles, technical processes, market positions and regulatory structures of electricity storage in Ireland. The Policy Framework contains ten actions that support the key stakeholders and industry to incorporate the optimum amount of electricity storage to meet our 2030 and 2040 needs and ensures continued engagement with all electricity storage stakeholders to meet Ireland's Net-Zero future. The Policy Framework includes a definition and recognition of electricity storage in line with the European Union Directive 2019/944.
Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for electricity storage systems both Internationally and 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, licensing, and safety in Ireland. Regarding fire safety and management of electricity storage systems, the responsibility in the first instance lies with the local fire authorities, alongside the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), who are under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland has been reviewed and approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and the System Operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, through the Storage and System Services working group which is part of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce. These stakeholders, alongside my Department, are the key stakeholders in the implementation of the policy frameworks ten actions. Engagement with the key stakeholders will continue through the Storage and System Services work group of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce to ensure all actions and other matters in relation to electricity storage systems, are completed in a timely and appropriate manner.
