- EDENenergy has developed a high-performance industrial energy storage system using old electric scooter batteries.
- These batteries retain over 90% of their original capacity, making them suitable for reuse.
- The system features a modular design, allowing for the replacement of individual batteries without affecting overall operation.
- Future plans include expanding the storage system to 300 kWh to enhance storage capacity.
A German startup has developed a high-performance, affordable, and sustainable 70 kilowatt-hour (kWh) industrial energy storage system using old electric scooter batteries. The technology was designed by EDENenergy, a clean technology startup based in Freiburg, and is a spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany. This system relies on modular units and advanced power electronics to connect used batteries into a larger energy storage system. Florian Bierwirth, CEO and co-founder of EDENenergy, emphasized the importance of repurposing old batteries.
He stated, "This allows different storage units to be connected and to communicate with various modules without the need to dismantle the batteries." According to the team, these batteries still retain over 90% of their original capacity, making them suitable for reuse in industrial storage. This technology also enables businesses to store excess solar energy while reducing battery waste.
Challenges of Reusing Old Batteries
Reports indicate that approximately one million electric bicycle and electric scooter batteries are prematurely discarded in Germany each year. However, many of these batteries still possess enough capacity to be used for several more years. Due to the variations in battery design, battery types, and battery management systems, reusing these batteries has faced challenges. To address this issue, former Fraunhofer ISE researchers developed power electronics technology capable of connecting different batteries without dismantling them. The startup initially focused on battery supply for large electric scooter fleet operators to ensure a stable supply of compatible units.
Its first industrial storage system combines 112 tested old electric scooter batteries, which were inspected before installation. While the team initially expected these batteries to retain about 80% of their original capacity, tests on the first batch of 350 batteries showed that some retained over 90% of their capacity. The company delivered its first storage system to customers last month.
Modular Features of the System
Bierwirth emphasized, "In mid-October, we delivered our first storage system to a customer, marking an important milestone for our young company. With this storage capacity, our initial goal is to target medium-sized enterprises that have photovoltaic systems but lack storage solutions." EDENenergy stated that the technology also features a modular design, meaning individual batteries can be replaced without shutting down the entire system. According to the company, utilities can use this system to reduce peak electricity demand, increase solar consumption, or engage in power trading.
The startup will also remotely monitor the batteries to check their condition and determine when individual modules need to be replaced. Once a battery reaches the end of its usable life, it will be removed and sent to a recycling partner.
Furthermore, the system can maintain its full 70 kWh storage capacity even after 10 years. In contrast, traditional battery storage manufacturers typically guarantee about 80% of the original capacity after ten years. Additionally, due to experiencing less vibration and temperature fluctuations in static applications, these batteries may have a longer lifespan. The company summarized in a press statement, "In static energy storage systems, these batteries can continue to perform well for several more years with less exposure to vibration or temperature fluctuations." In the future, the team plans to expand its industrial energy storage system to 300 kWh.
Item Specification Storage Capacity 70 kWh Battery Retained Capacity Over 90% Expected Lifespan 10 years
Potential and Challenges of Reusing Old Batteries
With the rise of electric vehicles, the reuse of old batteries has become an important issue. EDENenergy's innovative technology not only extends the lifespan of batteries but also reduces environmental pollution. Through modular design, businesses can flexibly manage energy storage systems, which is particularly important for medium-sized enterprises that require efficient storage solutions. As renewable energy becomes more prevalent, the application prospects of this technology are broad, effectively supporting the demands of energy transition and sustainable development.