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Nissan is contributing to a pioneering energy project at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Italy’s largest international transport hub, by supplying repurposed Nissan LEAF electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This initiative showcases a sustainable solution for “end of life” EV batteries, giving them a second life in a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Key Highlights:
- Project Name: Pioneer initiative.
- Location: Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy’s largest international airport.
- Nissan’s Contribution: 84 second-life Nissan LEAF batteries have been reconditioned and supplied. These provide 2.1 MWh of energy storage to the system.
- Total BESS Capacity: The entire system holds 10 MWh of electricity.
- Environmental Goal: The project supports Aeroporti di Roma’s (ADR) ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
- Renewable Energy Integration: The BESS is coupled with a solar farm featuring 55,000 solar panels, expected to generate 31 GWh of renewable electricity annually.
- Battery Source and Specs: The reused batteries are Gen 3 30kWh and Gen 4 40kWh LEAF batteries, sourced from high-mileage vehicles and warranty returns. They have been carefully requalified to meet strict safety and performance standards.
- Projected Battery Lifespan: Nissan predicts the second-life batteries will remain operational for more than 6-7 years at the airport, even with daily use.
The ‘Pioneer’ initiative, co-funded by EU Innovation Funds, is a critical component of Aeroporti di Roma’s (ADR) strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. This landmark project demonstrates the significant potential of repurposing EV batteries to deliver clean and flexible energy beyond their initial use in vehicles. Nissan Energy is actively supporting ADR’s environmental goals through this innovative second-life battery storage system.
Nissan has supplied 84 carefully reconditioned Nissan LEAF batteries to system integrator Loccioni, which is responsible for harmonizing them into Enel’s Energy Storage System. These batteries contribute 2.1 MWh of energy storage to the overall project. The reused batteries are Gen 3 30kWh and Gen 4 40kWh LEAF batteries, sourced from high-mileage vehicles and warranty returns, and have undergone rigorous requalification to ensure they meet strict safety and performance standards. Nissan anticipates these second-life batteries will operate effectively for more than 6-7 years at the airport, even under daily usage conditions.
In total, the BESS at Fiumicino Airport has a substantial capacity of 10 MWh of electricity. This system operates in conjunction with a large Solar Farm, comprising 55,000 solar panels. Together, the solar farm and BESS are projected to generate 31 GWh of renewable energy per year, providing reliable, clean power to the airport terminals and enhancing the flexibility of the airport grid.
Soufiane El Khomri, Nissan Energy Director for the company’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region, emphasized 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. “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.” El Khomri also noted, “Just as importantly, once the batteries reach the end of their useful life on this project, we take full responsibility for their recycling.”
Enrico Loccioni, President and founder of Loccioni, commented, “With Pioneer, we have built a bridge between two worlds on their way to decarbonization: energy and mobility.” He added, “At the center always remains quality, of people, of projects, of innovations, which is another way of saying sustainability.”
This initiative aligns with Nissan’s broader strategy of transforming potential waste into valuable energy assets. The company’s re-use strategy supports large-scale industrial projects like the one at Fiumicino Airport and also shows potential for applications such as backup power in homes. Nissan has a track record of successful collaborations with Loccioni and energy provider Enel, including similar energy storage projects like the Melilla ESS in Spain and the Nomadic Lab ESS system, which have proven the effectiveness and reliability of Nissan’s second-life battery technology. This project further supports Nissan’s Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term vision focused on delivering electrified models and technological innovation globally, and its goal to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050.
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