Regulations needed on BESS sites

Concerns around new technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and the need for proper regulation around same were flagged at this month's meeting of Cavan County Council by Aontu Cllr Sarah O’Reilly.

She told those gathered that, following the last local authority meeting, councillors were invited to a gathering organised by concerned local groups over the rise in planning approvals for BESS sites around the country.

The technology is being viewed in the industry as important in terms of achieving climate targets, increasing the stability of the national grid and bringing down peak energy prices. But concerns have been raised around the potential for fire at such sites, among other issues.

Last week's council meeting heard that 48x40ft storage containers of lithium batteries are being granted planning permission “on a small, unsuitable site in a residential area”.

“As councillors, we accept that we are not experts in this technology but we would assume, for instance, something like BESS would have a specialised set of regulations governing how the site should be managed and where such sites can be located so as to ensure optimum safety for the public,” Cllr O’Reilly argued.

“It is very concerning to learn that there are no regulations, no governance, no protocols or procedures governing BESS sites. We need to hold back before giving planning to new emerging technology, especially technology that has chemicals like lithium and phosphates because there are too many unknowns.

“There is absolutely no regulatory control, there is nothing to stop a landowner or lease holder who places these 40ft battery containers on their land from walking away after 10 years and leaving a battery mess leaking away in a field, for the council eventually to have to clean up at a cost to the tax-payer," she continued.

Cllr O’Reilly then proposed that members write to the Minister for Local Government & Planning to request that legislation be implemented around BESS sites including environmental impact, consultation with local communities, and proper regulation and criteria around site location. She received unanimous support for the proposals.

Cllr Stiofán Conaty (SF) supported the motion and argued for nationalisation.

“The issue here, as I see it, is the handling of the projects,” he continued before adding that energy is “the lifeblood of civilisation” and, if there is money and profit to be made from nature’s natural resources, then the enterprise should be in public hands and the people should be the ones to reap the benefits.

Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) added: “Cllr O’Reilly has highlighted very clearly the difficulties that are being faced by people. I was at a meeting recently where experts on this outlined the dangers faced for surrounding landowners if these facilities were to go on fire.

“In many cases that land can’t be used for agriculture at all because of those dangers. So, this is a very serious matter and is one that the government must step in on and ensure proper regulations are put in place and that health & safety is to the fore.”

Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) also threw his support behind the motion. “I think that communication is at the heart of all of this and I think consultation, legislation, and forward thinking is the only way forward on this issue,” he said.

In conclusion Cllr Val Smith (FG) said that, whether society liked it or not, “these batteries have to be stored somewhere”.

“That is the way forward as far as I’m concerned but we have to speak up more about where these facilities are being located.”