Battery Energy Storage Sites Safety Regulations 2025-06-05

The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in BESSs are different from traditional systems but perfectly controllable. The guidelines for planning approval are imprecise and vary across the devolved nations, leaving room for inconsistencies and lack of expertise among fire services.

Expresses concern that many BESS sites are located in rural areas served primarily by retained firefighters who are a long way from specialist firefighting resources. Suggests fire officer training as part of the recommendation.

Highlights the need for legislation for the whole of the United Kingdom and asks if it is intended to ask the Minister to confirm that such a course of action will happen, setting out what needs to be done next.

Welcomes renewable energy but prioritises brownfield sites as opposed to placing battery sites in pockets around beautiful villages due to the potential fire hazards and possible toxic run-off into local rivers.

The debate focuses on the safety risks associated with battery storage systems, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times are slower due to limited infrastructure. The speaker highlights documented cases of fires and explosions at such facilities, stressing the importance of minimum separation distances from residential properties and fire resilience standards.

Calls for health and safety regulations to be established specifically for battery energy storage systems. Proposes that the Health and Safety Executive should have control over changing guidance as new best practices emerge, ensuring uniform standards across the UK. Emphasises the need for fire safety assessments and training local firefighting teams, funded by organisations developing these sites.

Mr Thomas spoke about the importance of farmland in rural constituencies and its role in national sovereignty. He supported a new clause to protect agricultural land from energy installations like solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Additionally, he raised concerns about the foreign ownership of energy supply chains and proposed three asks for the Government: pausing BESS applications, setting a minimum radius around settlements, and making fire services statutory consultees.

Mr Stone echoed previous concerns about the rapid expansion of battery energy storage systems in rural areas. He highlighted safety issues like thermal runaway and fire risks, particularly in cold weather conditions. He also emphasised the need for thorough consultation with statutory authorities and community councils before approving new sites.

Ms Bool discussed a proposed battery energy storage site near Grendon, highlighting its environmental impact and lack of regulatory oversight. She cited the Health and Safety Executive guidance as inadequate and called for more prescriptive regulations similar to those in the United States to ensure public safety.

Asked whether there is no statutory requirement on prevention methods that may stop catastrophic situations from occurring.

Emphasised the need for a minimum distance between battery sites and residential properties. Advocated for the fire service to be made statutory consultees on planning applications. Also emphasised the need for changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Expressed concerns about safety, lack of community involvement, and poor profit distribution from green energy projects. Advocated for local fire services and the Environment Agency to be statutory consultees on BESSs.

Called for a total absence of regulation with this risky technology and emphasised the effects of policy on the countryside, including challenges in rural roads and fire service response times.

The hon. Gentleman criticised the current Government's enthusiasm for renewable energy technologies, citing inefficiencies of mass solar and its dependence on China, including issues with slave labour and security risks. He also raised serious safety concerns about battery sites and called for greater oversight from fire services and residents' involvement.

The hon. Gentleman defended the current Government's approach, arguing that criticisms of ideology and policy zeal are misplaced. He pointed out that large solar farms have been in development for longer than the Labour party has been in power.

The hon. Gentleman interrupted to defend his Government's record, but was ordered by the Deputy Speaker to cease as he is a Parliamentary Private Secretary and not allowed to contribute during debates.

The Government recognises the health and safety laws overseeing grid-scale batteries, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The Government will consult on including batteries in environmental permitting regulations to provide further safeguards and assurances. These consultations aim to ensure appropriate mitigations are maintained throughout a project’s life cycle.

Suggests laying down statutory minimum mitigation facilities required in planning applications for grid-scale batteries. Emphasises the need for statutory clarity and suggests that inspections should be based on statute.

Acknowledges the need to work with multiple parties to ensure public confidence in grid-scale battery technology. Discusses National Fire Chiefs Council guidance recommending a distance of at least 25 metres between BESS sites and occupied buildings.

Highlights the need for clear national guidance from industry to ensure safety standards are met. Expresses concern over the lack of coordination in regulations across different constituencies and calls for mandatory consultation with local fire officers.