What is a lithium-ion battery Bill?

A Bill to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries; and for connected purposes.

Is there a lithium-ion battery safety bill?

It later published a draft bill similar in intent to the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill [HL]. Following the July 2024 general election, the new Labour government included a commitment to introduce a Product Safety and Metrology Bill in the July 2024 King’s Speech.

Are lithium-ion batteries illegal?

Regulations made by the Sec of State relating to products containing lithium-ion batteries may include provision for criminal offences and ‘civil sanctions’ where the regulations are breached. This is aimed at tackling the problem of cheap and poor quality products available online, which are responsible for many lithium-ion battery fires.

Who raised the lithium-ion battery storage (fire safety & environmental permits) Bill?

But it was raised before then in parliament by Conservative MP for Basingstoke Dame Maria Miller, who put forward her Lithium-ion Battery Storage (Fire Safety and Environmental Permits) Bill in September 2022.

Are lithium ion batteries safe?

They are also used on a larger scale as part of battery energy storage systems (BESS), which enable energy, including from renewable sources, to be stored and released when power is needed. However, while lithium-ion technology is generally safe, improper design, manufacturing and/or damage can lead to ‘thermal runaway’.

Are battery energy storage systems subject to environmental permitting?

DEFRA is planning to bring battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the environmental permitting regime. However, some operators may be unaware that they may be subject to it already, putting themselves in potential legal jeopardy.