Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
114. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if there are specific regulations for the operation of battery energy storage systems; what monitoring powers exist in terms of ensuring that these systems are operating according to existing regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72581/25]
View answerAll batteries used in grid-connected electricity storage systems on the Irish grid are manufactured, sold and operated in line with EU regulations and standards. This includes safety certification and labelling for the marketing and the putting into service of batteries used in grid-connected electrical storage systems.
Batteries, including those integrated within energy storage systems, may only be placed on the EU market or put into service if they meet all the applicable requirements, as determined by a Conformity Assessment Body. The Conformity Assessment Bodies are subject to assessment and monitoring by a Notifying Authority.
The EU Batteries Regulation 1542/2023 requires that a conformity assessment procedure be carried out in respect of batteries placed on the market to demonstrate, inter alia, compliance with safety requirements. The procedure is intended to ensure compliance with provisions covering the safety of grid-connected stationary battery electricity storage systems, such as those under Article 12 of the Regulation, where such systems must be subject to appropriate testing and potential safety hazards must be assessed and tested with appropriate mitigation measures and instructions in place.
Furthermore, in July 2024, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory regime in place for grid scale electricity storage systems. A number of Government Departments, State bodies and public authorities have specific roles in connection with the safety and regulatory regime of grid-connected electricity storage. Chapter 4 of the Framework outlines their roles and remits in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of grid scale electricity storage systems in Ireland.
