How Old Nissan Leaf Batteries Are Powering Rome’s Airport and Shaping Europe’s Green Future
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport gives used Nissan Leaf batteries a powerful new role, fueling a zero-emissions push and inspiring global airports.
• 84 recycled Nissan Leaf batteries deployed
• 2.1 MWh of storage delivers clean, flexible energy
• Solar farm generates 31 GWh annually
• Net-zero target for Fiumicino: 2030
Italy’s busiest airport is electrifying the world—by turning yesterday’s car batteries into tomorrow’s clean energy grid.
In a European first, Rome’s Fiumicino Airport has installed 84 recycled Nissan Leaf electric vehicle batteries at the heart of a game-changing energy storage system. Their mission? To slash emissions and supercharge the airport’s bold pledge to hit net zero by 2030.
This ambitious step, fueled by a partnership with energy giant Enel and system integrator Loccioni, is making headlines across Europe and setting a new standard for sustainable aviation infrastructure.
Q: What Makes Fiumicino’s Battery Storage Project So Revolutionary?
Fiumicino’s innovative system breathes new life into old EV batteries. Sourced from high-mileage Nissan Leafs and warranty returns, these batteries now deliver a powerful 2.1 megawatt-hours of storage capacity—embedded within a massive 10 MWh energy storage network.
This electricity reserves, co-funded by the EU Innovation Funds, ensures that energy harvested from the airport’s 55,000-panel solar farm is always ready to power traveling crowds and airport operations—rain or shine.
By combining second-life batteries with renewable energy, the initiative reduces reliance on fossil fuels and enables Aeroporti di Roma to provide cleaner, more flexible grid services.
Q: How Does Recycling EV Batteries Make a Difference?
Batteries typically end up discarded after their first road life—yet Nissan’s refurbishment program turns them into valuable assets for another 6–7 years even under intensive daily use.
This strategy not only maximizes the value of every cell, but also keeps thousands of kilograms of e-waste out of landfills while slashing the carbon footprint of aviation. After their airport service, Nissan ensures batteries are responsibly recycled, closing the sustainability loop.
How Can Airports and Cities Replicate Rome’s Success?
Rome’s project is sparking interest worldwide. Technologies tested here could soon empower airports, factories, and even homes across Europe.
- Airports can retrofit clean energy storage with repurposed EV batteries
- Companies gain flexible backup power for daily operations and outages
- Residential neighborhoods may benefit from scaled-down, affordable battery packs
Nissan’s expanding partnerships in Spain and other European countries show that second-life batteries are ready for industrial and home use, offering hope for a circular, zero-carbon future.
Q: What Are the Big Takeaways for Clean Energy in 2025 and Beyond?
Rome’s success proves that battery “retirement” is just the beginning. As global electric vehicle sales climb, unused batteries could power a wave of storage projects necessary to meet net-zero pledges everywhere.
Europe’s progress is accelerating, with leaders from Nissan, Enel, and Loccioni pioneering a circular economy—blending mobility and energy to fuel the next generation of cities and transport hubs.
Want to champion sustainability and see more zero-carbon breakthroughs? Monitor advances and urge your local leaders to follow Rome’s electrifying example!
- 🔲 Track global airport sustainability initiatives
- 🔲 Support EV recycling and battery repurposing in your city
- 🔲 Choose flights from green airports when possible
- 🔲 Stay updated on battery innovation at Nissan and Enel
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