Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
481. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that incentivised schemes under his Department are seeing battery energy storage systems erected on farmland, without the proper safety facilities in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21385/24]
View answerThe Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) provides grants to farmers to build and/or improve a specified range of farm buildings and equipment on their holdings. The Solar Capital Investment scheme is one of the measures in TAMS, which provides support to farmers wishing to invest in renewable energy, thereby reducing their dependence on fossil fuels.
The safety of Solar PV systems, both at installation phase and during subsequent use by farmer applicants, is of paramount importance. With that in mind, my Department has introduced Specification 198, which outlines the minimum specification for the installation of Solar PV systems. All relevant electrical and structural standards concerning both solar PV systems and battery storage facilities are prescribed in this specification.
This specification also includes the requirement that batteries be installed in a suitable enclosure and/or cabinet which is IP65 rated (marking that indicates the degree of protection of an electrical device against dust and water ingress), fire resistant and adequately ventilated, and which allows sufficient clearance for installation, inspection, maintenance and repairs.
My Department also requires that registered solar PV installers have undertaken training in Micro Solar Photovoltaic Systems Implementation and Micro-Generators Electrical Installation.
Furthermore, it is a requirement of the TAMS grant aid scheme that all installations are accompanied by a testing and commissioning report, which confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest electrical standards applicable, and that such reports are signed off by Safe Electric registered (qualified) electricians. This condition extends to installations incorporating battery storage facilities.
