10 MWh energy storage system repurposes 762 end-of-life EV batteries, supporting peak power needs and decarbonization.
Expected CO₂ reduction of 16,000 tons over the next decade—supporting Fiumicino’s Net Zero by 2030 target.
Europe’s largest airport solar-battery integration, boosting energy resilience and circular economy leadership.
Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport has launched Pioneer, Europe’s largest energy storage system based on second-life electric vehicle batteries. Developed by Italian utility Enel and airport operator Aeroporti di Roma (ADR), the 10 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) strengthens the airport’s energy autonomy and reduces carbon emissions.
The project repurposes 762 battery packs from Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, extending the life of EV batteries that are no longer roadworthy. System integrator Loccioni engineered the battery integration, while Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute contributed scientific support.
“Pioneer is the first project of its kind in Italy: a multifunctional energy platform serving Fiumicino airport that combines decarbonisation, energy autonomy and competitiveness,” said Senator Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Integrated with Fiumicino’s “Solar Farm”—Europe’s largest self-consumption photovoltaic plant, which launched in January 2025—Pioneer stores solar energy for use when production dips, addressing one of renewable energy’s critical limitations: intermittency.
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“The Pioneer project shows innovation is the primary ally of the energy transition… giving a second life to end-of-life batteries,” said Francesca Gostinelli, Head of Enel X Global Retail. “It’s the result of a partnership leveraging the know-how of predominantly Italian companies.”
ADR CEO Marco Troncone emphasized the initiative’s strategic fit within broader environmental goals. “This initiative integrates with the Solar Farm as part of our ESG strategy… reinforcing our path to decarbonisation and energy self-sufficiency, aiming for Net Zero by 2030.”
With the capacity to power approximately 3,000 U.S. homes for a day, Pioneer is not just a technical milestone—it is a blueprint for scaling circular economy practices in infrastructure-intensive sectors.
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