38. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the national framework governing the development and operation of battery energy storage systems; and whether he plans to review current guidance relating to safety standards and emergency response procedures. [64932/26]

At the outset, it is important to note that several Government Departments, State bodies and public authorities have specific roles regarding the safety and regulation of grid-connected electricity storage.

In July 2024, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland. Chapter 4 of the Policy Framework provides an overview of the safety and regulatory regime in place for grid scale electricity storage systems, outlining the roles and remits of the relevant bodies.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, consideration for specific battery energy storage system (BESS) planning guidelines under wider solar guidelines for local authorities is ongoing within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Until the finalisation of the National Planning Statement, I am advised that the current planning system provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the proper planning and sustainable development of such systems which may be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the relevant County Development Plan and Government Policy as applicable.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, supports fire authorities by establishing fire service policy, setting national standards for fire safety and fire service provision, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. I understand that County Fire Officers may engage with and advise planning authorities to ensure that electricity storage installations are designed and built in a way that ensures adequate consideration is given to local fire safety concerns.

In relation to standards, all batteries used in grid-connected electricity storage systems on the Irish grid are manufactured, sold and operated in line with EU regulations and standards. The 2023 EU Batteries Regulation requires that batteries placed on the EU market are certified to conform with various sustainability, safety, labelling, information and due diligence requirements.