Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of extreme summer temperatures on the safety and resilience of Battery Energy Storage Systems; and what discussions has he had with industry stakeholders and local communities on associated risks and mitigation measures.

The regulatory framework governing grid-scale battery safety is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and requires developers to keep batteries within their safe operating range throughout their lifetimes.

In April 2024, the Government published health and safety guidance which said that consideration should be given to the impacts of climate change and the possibility of extreme heatwaves in this regard.

DESNZ engages regularly with the HSE and industry through the battery Health and Safety Governance Group, which monitors the regulatory framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose.