Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
117. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will review the need to classify batteries as dangerous substances when it comes to the building of large battery energy storage systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will reclassify batteries as dangerous substances for the purposes of mass storage facilities in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21383/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
In regard to battery classification, Ireland conforms to EU legislation. All batteries in Ireland are manufactured, sold and operated in-line with EU regulation and standards, this includes safety certification and labelling for the marketing and the putting into service of batteries used in electrical storage systems.
EU Directive (2023/1542) – ‘Concerning Batteries & waste batteries’ , sets out the homogenisation of electricity storage batteries as well as the safety testing and certification requirements relevant to battery energy storage systems, such as Lithium-Ion Battery Electricity Storage System (Li-BESS) that deliver electric energy to the grid or store electricity for delivery to electric energy end users.
The batteries used in electricity storage systems in place on the Irish grid also conform to European standards (EN). A European standard (EN) once published by the CEN and CENELEC is considered a National standard and all member states have the obligation to withdraw any national standards that conflict with it.
In Ireland, it is the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), under the remit of the Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who ensures the adoption of European standards in Ireland.
