Nissan and EDF Energy partner

Nissan and EDF Energy are joining forces to work together on several projects that will support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy generation and storage solutions.

The new agreement was signed in Paris and the partnership will kick off with a collaboration to explore how second-life Nissan EV batteries can support demand side management.

The first joint project will see the partners explore the business case for recycling retired batteries from Nissan LEAF into commercial battery storage. The system would see electricity stored in the batteries and released back to the grid using EDF Energy’s PowerShift to react quickly to demand side response (DSR) initiatives. Storage systems offer a lower carbon solution compared to relying on coal and gas power stations to meet peaks of electricity demand on the grid.

The combined system will be trialled to see how it can support on site generation, greater control and flexibility over energy use, and provide additional revenue streams.

Already this year, there are more lithium-ion batteries being installed in EVs than into consumer electronics and demand for electric mobility is only expected to increase, equating to millions of used electric vehicle batteries being available for the energy storage market. These batteries have as much as 70% of their original capacity and will still have more than 10 years of remaining life.

Beatrice Bigois, managing director of customers at EDF Energy said, ‘In partnering with Nissan, we’re excited to explore new technologies and business models to make low carbon transport a reality now and for the future.’

Francisco Carranza, director of energy services, Nissan Europe, said, ‘We are delighted to be entering this partnership, which will see Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility strategy continue to support the expanding electric vehicle market and help create a more sustainable energy future in the UK.’

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