VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Solar Power: Lithium-ion Batteries

Asked by Helen WhatelyConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 29 April 2025UIN 45727

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) revised Battery Safety Management Plan’s adoption of the National Fire Protection Agency 855 (2023) exclusion zone standards and (b) BS EN IEC 62933-5-2 testing protocols in ensuring the safety of lithium-ion battery storage at Cleve Hill Solar Park.

Answered by Michael Shanks

Under Requirement 3 of the Cleve Hill Solar Park Order 2020 the matters raised are matters for Swale Borough Council after consulting with the Health and Safety Executive and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. Following an appeal by the developer, on 5 July 2024 the Planning Inspectorate, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, approved the Battery Safety Management Plan after Swale Borough Council had refused an application for its approval.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim