Chris Clarkson MP supports a bill to improve fire safety in industrial lithium battery storage.

Chris Clarkson MP

Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson has supported a bill to improve fire safety in industrial lithium battery storage.

As we switch to renewable sources of energy, lithium-ion battery storage is set to be an essential part of the UK energy supply system.

This new technology is designed to store excess electricity created by renewables so that it can be released into the national grid when required. Only a handful of battery storage facilities are already operational in the UK, however, this number is due to skyrocket in the next few years. Indeed, there are battery storage facilities planned here in Heywood and Middleton.

However, despite their immense potential, lithium-ion batteries have been subject to international concern following a series of catastrophic fires in countries where this technology has already been introduced. Academics, fire chiefs, and industry experts have stated that our current planning regulations fail to consider the hazardous chemicals and gases created by battery fires. Even the Environment Agency has said that their current environmental permits do not include conditions to address what they described as ‘’the valid concerns’’ associated with these batteries.

Chris Clarkson MP said: "Whilst we must embrace energy storage technology as our economy transitions to net-zero, we must ensure that it is introduced safely.

"Battery fires across the world have told us a cautionary tale, showing that these lithium battery fires pose significant health and environmental hazards. As a result, I support Maria Miller’s Bill in Parliament which urges the government to introduce stricter planning measures to minimise the risks associated with these facilities."