Nissan has repurposed batteries from scrapped Leaf electric cars to create a cutting-edge Battery Energy Storage System for Rome’s Fiumicino Airport – Italy’s largest international transport hub.

The ‘Pioneer’ initiative, co-funded by EU Innovation Funds, forms part of the airport’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 and demonstrates the potential of ‘end of life’ EV batteries to deliver clean energy beyond their use in cars.

In total, the storage system holds a capacity of 10 MWh of electricity. Nissan has supplied 84 second-life Nissan LEAF batteries – totalling 2.1 MWh of energy storage – to the total.

They are coupled with 55,000 solar panels due to generate 31 GWh of renewable energy per year to provide reliable, clean power to the airport terminals, as well as flexible services to the airport grid.

The reused Gen 3 30kWh and Gen 4 40kWh LEAF batteries, sourced from high-mileage vehicles and warranty returns, have been carefully inspected to meet strict safety and performance standards. Nissan predicts the second-life batteries will remain operational for more than seven years at the airport, even when used daily.

Soufiane El Khomri, Nissan Energy Director for the company’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region (AMIEO), said: “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.

“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. Just as importantly, once the batteries reach the end of their useful life on this project, we take full responsibility for their recycling.”

The 84 batteries used in the scheme are taken from scrap 30 and 40kWh Leafs