Rural communities ‘deserve transparency’ on energy storage developments
If a leak occurs energy storage batteries contain liquid electrolyte, which can react with moisture to form hydrofluoric acid. File image.
Rural Ireland is not a dumping ground for projects that would never be tolerated in urban areas — that is what Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan told the Upper House when she raised concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) in Newmarket, Co Cork.
“Communities deserve proper transparency, consultation, and independent safety assessments before developments of this scale are considered,” she said.
Ms Ryan said the proposed site is beside a sensitive ecological area that drains into a watercourse connecting to the River Dalua and then onto the River Blackwater, both of which are designated special areas of conservation.
“These are habitats for species of European importance, including Atlantic salmon, yet the dangers posed by the lithium-ion batteries have not been adequately addressed.
“If a leak occurs, these batteries contain liquid electrolyte, which can react with moisture to form hydrofluoric acid.
"The potential consequences for the environment, drinking water and community safety are enormous,” she said.
Ms Ryan said the risks of fires and toxic contamination from BESS sites had been seen in other countries.
Once such a facility is built, the community bears the risk while large corporations reap the profits, she said.
Ms Ryan said this raises a wider question around how energy infrastructure is being planned and where it is being placed.
The voices of local residents, farmers, and environmental groups should be respected.
Clarity is needed on safety protocols around these sites, the environmental safeguards and who will carry responsibility if something goes wrong.
“This is not about being anti-renewable or anti-progress. Everybody wants the future to be robust. Communities like Newmarket want to play their part in climate action but not at the expense of their health, their environment and their future,” she said.
Ms Ryan asked that time be allocated in the House to properly debate the regulation of BESS developments to ensure that safety, sustainability and community input are at the forefront.
Fianna Fáil senator Fiona O'Loughlin, presiding, said consultation is obviously key in relation to the local area.
Clarity is needed around why the area was chosen.
“To be fair, the senator raised a fair point about the general criteria in respect of battery storage and the regulation of same.
"We will look to have a debate on that issue,” she said.
