Nobina, the Nordic region’s largest group of public transport, signed a strategic partnership agreement with STABL Energy to achieve maximum electric bus battery life cycles via energy storage systems. This is in line with the worldwide trend towards sustainability where reused bus batteries are being channeled to stationary energy storage to minimize wastage and achieve increased energy security.
A Circular Solution for Sustainable Energy
The fast pace of electrifying public transport has stimulated Nobina to own more than 1,000 electric buses. At the time when the buses are approaching battery replacement cycles, the business prefers recycling retired batteries rather than unnecessarily recycling them beforehand. Not only does it help in utilizing the batteries to the fullest but also enhances the stability of the energy grid by balancing the power demand and supply imbalance.
We are very proud of this collaboration, developing new solutions that can make a difference throughout the industry and society,” says Petra Hammarin, Business Development Director at Nobina. “This project increases our operational robustness, conserves energy, and decreases Europe’s dependence on key minerals.”.
Dr. Nam Truong, STABL Energy CEO & Co-Founder, highlighted the importance of recycling batteries in the shift towards renewable energy.
“In collaboration with our partners, we can create new benchmarks for European e-fleet operators. Recycling end-of-life batteries into storage systems is a cost-saving alternative to premature and expensive recycling,” he added.
Lowering Costs and Emissions
The electric buses’ batteries are costly, and utilizing them as an energy storage source may be a part funding method. According to Nobina, the present fleet has over 500 MWh installed battery capacity, and it may be an asset to be harnessed in the supply of green energy.
Under the collaboration, Nobina further aims to design battery storage at its depots as part of its overall aim to further improve its sustainability initiative.
A Step Towards Energy Independence
This partnership will reduce Europe’s reliance on raw material imports while stimulating the principles of the circular economy. With recycling of batteries, the project stimulates energy security and sustainable future.
