Nissan has partnered with Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to transform 84 old Leaf batteries into large-scale energy storage, extending the life of electric vehicle components that would otherwise head for recycling.
The collaboration with Aeroporti di Roma turns decommissioned EV batteries into a 2.1MWh storage system – part of a much larger 10MWh setup at Italy’s busiest international airport.
The airport’s broader energy project combines this battery storage with a massive 55,000-panel solar farm. When complete, the system will generate 31GWh annually to power airport terminals and support net-zero goals.
Second-Life Battery Performance
The reconditioned batteries come from high-mileage Leafs and warranty returns. Nissan selected both 30kWh third-generation and 40kWh fourth-generation units from the previous Leaf model.
Each battery undergoes inspection and refurbishment to meet safety and performance standards for stationary energy storage.
Soufiane El Khomri, Nissan’s energy director for Europe, expects the repurposed batteries to last up to seven years in daily airport operations.
“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,”
El Khomri said.
The company handles technical integration, battery lifespan modeling, and performance warranties for the storage system. Nissan also takes responsibility for recycling when the batteries finally reach end-of-life.
Expanding Second-Life Applications
Rome’s Fiumicino represents the latest collaboration between Nissan, control system specialist Loccioni, and energy provider Enel. The partnership has previous deployed similar systems in Spain’s Melilla and Paris’s Nomadic Lab projects.
El Khomri noted the technology’s potential extends beyond large installations to residential applications.
The initiative fits into broader industry efforts to maximize EV battery utility before recycling. Most modern electric vehicle batteries remain suitable for automotive use beyond 20 years.
Second-life applications like airport energy storage can then utilize these batteries for additional years in less demanding roles – creating value from components that still retain significant capacity but may no longer meet automotive performance requirements.
The EU-backed Pioneer initiative demonstrates how airports and other large facilities can integrate renewable energy generation with repurposed EV batteries to reduce grid dependence and carbon emissions.
