Rome Fiumicino leads with Europe’s largest second-life battery energy storage for sustainable airport future

Credit: ADR

An innovative energy storage system is helping Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) harness renewable energy more effectively, capturing power for use even when the sun isn’t shining. The Pioneer project (airPort sustaInability secONd lifE battEry stoRage), developed by Enel and Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) with scientific input from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, repurposes used electric vehicle batteries, aligning with circular economy and sustainability goals.

Rome Fiumicino leads as a sustainable airport with Europe’s largest second-life battery energy storage system

As Italy’s largest hybrid second-life battery energy storage system and one of the largest in Europe, Pioneer uniquely integrates batteries from Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis. System integrator Loccioni converted 762 battery packs into a 10 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This storage solution is fully integrated with the airport’s “Solar Farm”, Europe’s largest self-consumption photovoltaic plant, inaugurated in January 2025.

The launch event was attended by notable figures, including Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Sen. Adolfo Urso, Fiumicino Mayor Mario Baccini, and executives from Enel, ADR, ENAC, and CINEA.

“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 Sen. Urso. “It represents an advanced model for Italy’s and Europe’s energy and digital transition.”

Francesca Gostinelli, Head of Enel X Global Retail, added: “The Pioneer project shows innovation is the primary ally of the energy transition… giving a second life to end-of-life batteries… the result of a partnership leveraging the know-how of predominantly Italian companies.”

ADR CEO Marco Troncone noted: “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.”

Pioneer is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 16,000 tonnes over 10 years and was selected as a winner of the EU’s Innovation Fund SSC-2020.

SIGN ME UP