Safety regulations for large-scale battery storage facilities
Tabled 5 February 2025 by Charlotte Cane
That this House notes the increasing reliance on battery storage facilities, particularly lithium-ion technologies, to support renewable energy projects and grid stability; acknowledges the concerns raised by residents and emergency services in Ely and East Cambridgeshire regarding the safety implications of such sites; calls for such concerns to be recognised during the consideration of the planned Sunnica Energy Farm; recognises the risks posed by thermal runaway events, including fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases; expresses alarm at the potential for soil and water contamination from firefighting runoff and chemical leaks; believes that the current regulatory framework governing battery storage safety is inadequate; calls on the Government to urgently review and update regulations to ensure robust safety standards for large-scale battery storage facilities, including clear guidance on site location, emergency response protocols, and environmental protection measures; and urges the Government to provide clarity on which department holds responsibility for these regulations, along with a timeline for their implementation, to ensure these facilities can contribute to greater renewable energy infrastructure and net zero targets while also safeguarding public safety.