AQW 13399/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 14/06/2024
Answered On Date: 11/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) how current safety regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems compare with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542; and (ii) whether there are any plans to align standards with these regulations.

Answer:

Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which amends Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repeals Directive 2006/66/EC, has been in force from 18th February 2024 and is applicable here. It replaces the EU Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC), which is listed in Annex 2 of the Windsor Framework.

It will gradually introduce new rules to strengthen sustainability of batteries and waste batteries, to protect the environment and human health, and increase circularity.

The North of Ireland will implement this EU regulation as it is within the scope of the Windsor Framework. DfE is currently assessing the necessary requirements and supporting implementing legislation required and is working closely with DAERA. DfE will engage with stakeholders through this process, however the expected timeline is not known at this time.