Lithium-ion Battery Storage Facilities Regulation 2023-07-04
2023-07-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The adequacy of regulations for new energy infrastructure is under scrutiny due to potential safety risks.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of regulations for industrial lithium-ion battery storage facilities?
It is a priority for this Government that all net zero energy infrastructure is built, operated and maintained in an appropriate and safe way. My officials work closely with the industry-led electricity storage health and safety governance group to ensure an appropriate, robust and future-proofed health and safety framework is sustained as storage deployment increases.
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Assessment & feedback
The adequacy of current regulations was not directly assessed; only a general commitment to safe operation was provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern about the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, especially in specific locations like Basing Fenn.
We need to increase power storage, but the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion battery storage facilities are now becoming widely acknowledged. What is my hon. Friend doing to ensure those facilities are not built in inappropriate locations, such as Basing Fenn in my constituency, which is a site sandwiched between a rare north-flowing, salmonid chalk stream and a hospital?
I thank my right hon. Friend for her question and her tireless campaigning on this important issue. As I discussed in that very positive meeting that I had with her yesterday, I have been working with colleagues across Government to establish the appropriate treatment of these facilities in planning and environmental regulation. Every site should be considered on its own merits and is a decision for our local authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoided specifics about inappropriate locations but mentioned ongoing work.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is debate over the government's focus on battery storage versus hydrogen-based energy solutions.
Will this Government stop chuntering on about batteries and battery storage all the time? Will they get down to JCB and see its innovative new hydrogen fuel car and heavy goods vehicle? Is it not about time that we realised that hydrogen is the future and that this Government should be building a pipeline of hydrogen throughout the country?
I will not be drawn on chuntering on by the hon. Gentleman, but let me just say that it was this Government who allowed JCB to proceed with that technology and to develop it at commercial scale. I am pleased to tell him that the Secretary of State will be visiting imminently.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about shifting focus from batteries to hydrogen was not directly addressed, focusing instead on past government actions and upcoming visits.
Not Drawn On
Response accuracy