18 June 2024: Leading automotive manufacturer, Nissan and battery energy storage company, Connected Energy are pioneering a collaboration to revolutionise EV battery sustainability in the UK. Nissan leads a £30.1 million consortium project aimed at enhancing the country's R&D capabilities in zero-emission vehicles and battery technologies.
Connected Energy, a leader in second-life battery applications, will spearhead the project's second-life battery element. Leveraging its advanced technology, the company plans to deploy large-scale energy storage facilities utilising EV batteries. These systems are designed not only to address grid capacity issues but also to maximise renewable energy utilisation and enhance energy resilience.
In the Company’s Press release, Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, emphasised the project's ambition, stating, "Our goal is to develop and demonstrate a pioneering economic model for large-scale second-life energy storage systems that can be easily scaled up further and replicated."
Currently, Connected Energy specialises in producing 300kW systems for smaller industrial and commercial applications. The collaboration with Nissan marks a strategic move to expand their technology portfolio in anticipation of the influx of second-life batteries expected in the coming years.
One of the project's key innovations is the development of energy storage technology capable of integrating multiple battery types with varying health and performance characteristics. This capability positions Connected Energy to showcase the competitiveness of large-scale second-life systems against new lithium-ion counterparts.
Repurposing EV batteries for energy storage not only extends their useful life but also contributes significantly to vehicle electrification and sustainability goals. By postponing recycling, manufacturers and battery owners can derive additional economic value from their assets while reducing environmental impact.
"This is a groundbreaking project combining the expertise of the UK’s biggest EV manufacturer, one of the world’s most advanced second-life companies, and recycling pioneers Altilium," Lumsden added. "Bringing together these key players has the potential to create a world first in the creation of a model for true battery circularity."
As the project progresses, Connected Energy and its partners are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EV battery sustainability and energy storage solutions in the UK. The deployment of a multi-megawatt system by 2025 underscores their commitment to advancing technological boundaries and supporting the transition towards a greener energy landscape.
Through initiatives like this, the UK continues to strengthen its position as a leader in EV technology innovation and sustainable energy solutions, paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly future.
