In a significant demonstration of circular economy principles, Nissan is breathing new life into used electric vehicle (EV) batteries, deploying them to help power Italy's largest international transport hub, Rome's Fiumicino Airport. The initiative sees end-of-life batteries from Nissan LEAF vehicles forming a crucial part of a landmark energy storage system, underscoring the evolving versatility of EV technology beyond its automotive application.
This pioneering project at Fiumicino Airport sees Nissan Energy supporting Aeroporti di Roma's (ADR) ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. The ‘Pioneer' initiative, co-funded by EU Innovation Funds, showcases how ‘end of life' EV battery technology can be repurposed to deliver clean and flexible energy solutions.
At the heart of Nissan's contribution are 84 reconditioned Nissan LEAF batteries, which collectively supply 2.1 MWh of energy storage to a large-scale system engineered by Enel. These second-life batteries have been meticulously integrated by system specialist Loccioni, which is tasked with harmonising them into Enel's broader Energy Storage System (BESS). In total, this cutting-edge BESS boasts a substantial capacity of 10 MWh of electricity.
The project isn't solely reliant on battery storage. The ‘Pioneer' system is coupled with an extensive solar farm comprising 55,000 solar panels. This solar installation is expected to generate a remarkable 31 GWh of renewable electricity annually. This clean power will be instrumental in supplying the airport terminals and providing flexible services to the airport's grid.
The Nissan LEAF batteries repurposed for this significant undertaking are sourced from a combination of high-mileage vehicles and warranty returns. Specifically, these are Gen 3 30kWh and Gen 4 40kWh LEAF batteries. Before being redeployed, each battery has undergone a careful requalification process to ensure it meets stringent safety and performance standards, ready for its demanding new role. Nissan projects that these second-life units will remain operational for more than six to seven years at the airport, even with daily usage.
Soufiane El Khomri, Nissan Energy Director for the company's Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region, highlighted the project's importance. “This project not only demonstrates the long-term viability of repurposed EV batteries in demanding environments, but underscores Nissan's commitment to sustainable end-of-life battery management,” he stated.
El Khomri further elaborated on Nissan's integral role: “Our team is involved in the technical integration of second-life batteries into the ESS, the simulation of battery lifespan, and providing warranties for their performance in the new system.” Crucially, he added, “Just as importantly, once the batteries reach the end of their useful life on this project, we take full responsibility for their recycling.” This commitment addresses the complete lifecycle of the batteries, ensuring a truly sustainable approach.
This initiative at Fiumicino Airport is not Nissan's first foray into second-life battery applications. The company has a history of successful collaborations with Loccioni and energy provider Enel. Similar energy storage projects, such as the Melilla ESS in Spain and the Nomadic Lab ESS system, have already proven the effectiveness and reliability of Nissan's second-life battery technology in providing stable, renewable energy solutions.
“We are turning potential waste into valuable energy assets,” El Khomri continued. “Our re-use strategy not only supports large-scale industrial projects such as Aeorporti di Roma's Fiumicino Airport, but also shows potential for use in the home such as backup during power cuts.” This hints at a broader future where EV batteries could play a diverse role in energy management, extending far beyond the vehicle itself. “As we continue to scale battery reuse and recycling, we are advancing our broader mission toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient future,” he affirmed.
Enrico Loccioni, President and founder of Loccioni, also commented on the collaborative spirit of the project: “We are integrators of people, ideas, technologies.” “With Pioneer, we have built a bridge between two worlds on their way to decarbonisation: energy and mobility.” He emphasised that “At the center always remains quality, of people, of projects, of innovations, which is another way of saying sustainability.”
The Fiumicino Airport project aligns perfectly with Nissan‘s overarching sustainability vision, Ambition 2030. This long-term strategy focuses on delivering electrified models and technological innovation in key global markets. It also supports Nissan's ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality across the entire life cycle of its products and operations by the year 2050.
The successful deployment of these second-life Nissan LEAF batteries at one of Europe's busiest airports marks another step forward in proving the commercial and environmental benefits of repurposing EV components. It’s a powerful illustration of how the electric vehicle revolution can drive innovation in the energy sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient power infrastructure. As the EV market continues to grow, initiatives like ‘Pioneer' will become increasingly vital in managing battery lifecycles responsibly and unlocking their full potential.
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