Nissan is helping to deliver clean energy through a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Italy’s largest airport, Fiumicino, in Rome. The project, called ‘Pioneer,’ is a collaboration between Nissan and Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), supported by EU Innovation Funds. It is part of ADR’s goal to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2030 and highlights how electric vehicle (EV) batteries can continue to provide value after their use in cars.
The BESS system holds a total capacity of 10MWh, with 84 second-life Nissan LEAF batteries contributing 2.1MWh. These batteries were sourced from high-mileage vehicles and warranty returns. They have been requalified to meet safety and performance standards before being integrated into the system by Loccioni, the project’s system integrator, in collaboration with energy provider Enel.
The project also includes a solar farm consisting of 55,000 solar panels, which will generate 31 GWh of renewable energy each year. This energy will power the airport’s terminals and provide additional support to the local grid.
Nissan’s second-life batteries, including Gen 3 30kWh and Gen 4 40kWh models, are expected to last 6-7 years at the airport, even with daily use. The batteries have been carefully tested to ensure they can handle the demands of the airport environment.
Soufiane El Khomri, Nissan’s Energy Director for Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania, emphasized the project’s importance in demonstrating the long-term potential of reusing EV batteries. “This project not only shows that second-life batteries can perform in challenging settings, but it also highlights our commitment to sustainable battery management,” he said. “We are involved in integrating the batteries, simulating their lifespan, and offering warranties on their performance. After their use at Fiumicino, we will ensure they are responsibly recycled.”
Nissan has previously worked on similar projects with Loccioni and Enel, including the Melilla ESS in Spain and the Nomadic LabAlliance Internal ESS system. These projects have proven the effectiveness of Nissan’s second-life batteries in providing stable, renewable energy solutions.
El Khomri added, “We are turning potential waste into valuable energy assets. This reuse strategy supports large-scale industrial projects like the Fiumicino Airport, and it could also be used in homes for backup during power outages. As we continue to scale battery reuse and recycling, we are advancing our mission for a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.”
Enrico Loccioni, president and founder of Loccioni, concluded, “Pioneer bridges the gap between energy and mobility as we move toward decarbonization. At the heart of this project is quality—whether it’s the people, the projects, or the innovations—which is key to sustainability.”
