Nobina AB, a leading bus fleet operator in the Nordic region, is partnering with STABL Energy to repurpose decommissioned electric bus batteries into energy storage systems. This initiative aims to avoid early recycling of batteries, promoting sustainability while stabilizing local power grids and allowing surplus electricity to be traded. Nobina, operating over 1,000 electric buses, considers this approach not only economically viable but also essential for reducing dependence on scarce raw materials, showcasing a commitment to a circular economy.
The German fleet operator Nobina AB is collaborating with STABL Energy to repurpose retired electric bus batteries into stationary energy storage systems. This endeavor aims to extend the life of these batteries by installing them in energy storage setups instead of prematurely recycling them at a high cost. After a successful pilot project, the battery storage systems will be implemented in all countries where Nobina operates.
Nobina is the largest bus fleet operator in the Nordic region, encompassing Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. The company completes the equivalent of 23 laps around the globe daily, transporting around one million passengers. With a fleet of over 1,000 electric buses – part of a total of 5,000 vehicles – the enterprise boasts a combined battery capacity of about 500 MWh. Petra Hammarin, Director of Business Development at Nobina, expressed pride in this partnership, noting that it fosters innovative solutions with positive implications for both the industry and society.
This sustainability initiative enhances operational resilience, lowers energy costs, reduces Europe’s reliance on critical raw materials, and contributes to local grid stabilization. Hammarin highlighted the increasing importance of societal resilience and public transport stability amid rising electrification challenges. Battery storage solutions utilizing retired bus batteries could be instrumental in maintaining both competitiveness and sustainability.
Dr. Nam Truong, CEO & Co-Founder of STABL Energy, emphasized the importance of extending battery lifespans through stationary storage applications and the benefits of avoiding early retirement of batteries. He remarked on their partnership’s potential to set standards for e-fleet operators across Europe and support the energy transition.
The significant investments needed to electrify fleets can be mitigated by using modular multilevel inverter technology, allowing for the construction of battery storage systems from second-life batteries. This strategy can lead to more efficient operations and provide a financially viable alternative to traditional recycling methods, which remain costly.
Second-life applications not only continue the utility of batteries, helping to curtail further COâ‚‚ emissions, but they also ensure that waste is minimized until the batteries reach their end of life. The commitment of both Nobina and STABL Energy to this innovative and sustainable approach signifies a step forward in the circular economy and energy resilience in Europe.