Sustainable innovation to increase energy efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Energy is providing a system with over 5.5 MWh of capacity, delivering over half of the total storage volume. This supports the airport in a significant way on its path to decarbonization, as Pioneer will enable the abatement of 16,000 tons of CO2 over ten years. The system ensures a reliable supply of green electricity to the airport terminals, while also providing flexibility services to the local grid.

The Pioneer project (airPort sustaInability secONd lifE battEry stoRage), carried out by Enel and ADR (Aeroporti di Roma) with the scientific contribution of the German research institute Fraunhofer at Rome's Fiumicino International Airport, is the largest energy storage system using hybrid second-life batteries in Italy, and one of the largest in Europe. Innovation, sustainability and European excellence are the hallmarks of the Pioneer project. Storage systems are now essential for the energy transition, and the system created by Enel and ADR accelerates the decarbonization process of the “Leonardo da Vinci” airport.

The system gives new life to batteries that are now unusable in the automotive field but remain highly valuable for stationary applications. The energy provider Enel is responsible for developing and integrating the storage system into the airport infrastructure. Loccioni, an experienced system integrator, ensures the seamless technical implementation of the system and its performance. Mercedes-Benz Energy provides a 6-string storage system, distributed across two containers (one 40-foot and one 20-foot), offering a total capacity of over 5.5 MWh. The system is built with repurposed battery modules from Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles.

The storage technology is based on an intelligent modular concept, allowing for the integration of battery modules at different stages of their lifecycle. Modules in different states of aging can be combined within a single system without compromising overall performance. This approach also enables higher energy density, reducing investment costs. Delivered as pre-installed, function-tested container systems, the solution ensures a short installation time and smooth deployment.

Mercedes-Benz Energy storage systems are equipped with a comprehensive safety architecture, setting new benchmarks with specially developed, extensively tested fire protection measures—proven in previous large-scale projects. Key features include a proprietary, functionally safe battery management system, high-performance NMC battery modules, and an integrated liquid cooling system. The system is designed to support a wide range of use cases, including peak shaving, integration of renewable energy, and energy trading.