Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
171. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his plans to introduce strengthened regulatory oversight or licensing requirements for BESS developments, in view of international experience and known fire-safety concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65619/25]
View answerIn line with the Climate Action Plan (action EL/24/16), the "Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland" was published by my Department in July 2024. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid-connected electricity storage systems, including Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Ireland.
The chapter outlines the roles and remits of a number of Government departments, State bodies and public authorities that have specific roles in the standards, planning, construction, licencing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible, inter alia, for the licencing, charging and market incentives for electricity storage undertakings, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market and electricity storage grid connections, including Hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.
Under Section 14(1)(n) (as amended by the Renewable Energy Regulation S.I. 20/2022) the CRU issues a Licence to Generate for electricity storage systems. Further, service providers of electricity storage systems (in their capacity as generators) are also required to apply for an Authorisation to Construct (under Section 16) from the CRU.
Regulatory oversight and licencing requirements for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development, are matters for the CRU, which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. Should the Deputy wish he may engage directly with the CRU via a dedicated Oireachtas email address, [oireachtas@cru.ie].
