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Building the Future of Second-Life Energy Storage in Europe

11Mar

Building the Future of Second-Life Energy Storage in Europe

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The BIG LEAP project was presented at the KEY – Energy Transition Expo 2026, held from 4–6 March in Rimini, Italy. As one of Europe’s major events dedicated to renewable energy, energy storage, and the energy transition, the expo brings together key stakeholders from industry, research, and policy to exchange knowledge and showcase innovative solutions supporting sustainable energy systems.

During the event, the project was represented by RES4Africa Foundation in the conference session titled “Solar PV/Wind Power and Battery Storage Systems: the Key to Energy Self-Sufficiency – Driving Africa’s Energy Transition,” which took place on 5 March 2026 at Rimini Fiera.

During the session, RES4Africa, presented the BIG LEAP project, highlighting the growing importance of European research and innovation initiatives focused on battery energy storage systems (BESS). This intervention emphasised how research projects funded under Horizon Europe are helping accelerate technological development and support the integration of renewable energy into modern energy systems.

The discussion explored how battery energy storage systems combined with solar and wind power are becoming essential components of reliable and flexible energy infrastructures. These technologies play a critical role in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources while improving grid stability and enabling higher shares of clean energy in the energy mix.

The BIG LEAP project focuses on advancing the interoperability and reliability of Battery Management Systems (BMS) for second-life battery energy storage systems. By developing innovative algorithms for State of Health (SoH)and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimation, along with an interoperable cloud-layer BMS architecture, the project aims to enhance the safety, performance, and integration of second-life batteries in large-scale energy storage applications.

In addition to its technological contributions, BIG LEAP also supports collaboration between European and international partners, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building in the energy sector.

Through initiatives such as BIG LEAP, Horizon Europe continues to strengthen Europe’s leadership in battery technologies while supporting the global transition toward cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable energy systems.

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ENERGETIC 

An innovative artificial intelligence-based approach to improve battery energy storage Facilitating grid flexibility through energy storage is crucial for accommodating higher levels of renewable penetration, ushering in a more electrified and decarbonised society through the repurposing of second-life batteries.

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NEXTBAT 

Aims to significantly contribute to decrease the carbon footprint of the innovative battery system by decreasing production costs thanks to the high recyclability capacity of hardware and cells components along the production chain.

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BATTERY2LIFE 

BATTERY2LIFE is a project, funded by Horizon Europe programme that will facilitate the smooth transition of batteries to 2nd life use and boost the innovation of the European Battery Industry by providing enablers to implement open, adaptable smart Battery Management Systems (BMSes) and improved system designs towards reliable reconfiguration of used batteries. Two demonstrations that represent two promising and sustainable business cases, serving the two most common stationary applications have been carefully selected: The domestic and industrial (grid-scale) storage, with respect to their operational specificities and requirements. The project’s duration extends from January 2024 to December 2026

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BATTERY 2030+ 

BATTERY 2030+ is the large-scale and long-term European research initiative with the vision of inventing the sustainable batteries of the future, providing European industry with disruptive technologies and a competitive edge throughout the battery value chain and enabling Europe to reach the goals of a climate-neutral society envisaged in the European Green Deal. The BATTERY 2030+ community works on concrete actions that support the implementation of the European Green Deal, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the European Action Plan on Batteries and the SET Plan.
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BATT4EU 

BATT4EU is a Co-programmed Partnership established under Horizon Europe, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Union. BATT4EU is a collaboration of the European Commission and European battery R&I stakeholders, united in BEPA.

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RECIRCULATE 

RECIRCULATE is an EU funded project that aims to revolutionize the European battery sector by developing the technologies and systems required to enable cascading reuse of batteries and battery components at their end-of-life. RECIRCULATE envisions a future where batteries have an extended lifespan in second and third-life applications, and are only recycled when their maximum value has been extracted, leading to a more sustainable and resource-efficient battery sector.

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REINFORCE 

In the search for sustainable mobility and energy system transition solutions, batteries emerge as a fundamental technology for the advancement of electric cars, renewable energy storage, and the reduction of carbon emissions. 

REINFORCE aims at creating a circular value chain for batteries, which promises to transform the life cycle of these products. Used, defective and unstable batteries pose new challenges along the supply chain and require new industrial processes, automated equipment, and tracking systems, as well as new strategies to prepare them for a second or third life, or even for the recycling of their components and materials.

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BATMAX 

The main objective of the project is to contribute to improving battery system performance, safety, reliability, service life, lifetime cost and therefore to maximise the value created by operation of the battery systems in various kinds of end use applications. To concretise the pathways towards reaching the main objective, BATMAX partners are exploring emerging opportunities for optimised battery utilisation across the technical scope. The main objective is approached by creating a framework for next generation of battery management based on large amounts of data, both experimental, operational and synthetic, adaptable physics-based models, suitable reduced-order models for both physical BMS algorithms and real-time multi-scale digital twins.

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BatteReverse 

BatteReverse is working towards building the next generation of battery reverse logistics. 1.7 million tonnes of batteries will have reached their end of life by 2030. We are developing necessary technologies, processes, and partnerships to give EV batteries a second life. Through a set of activities, we are enhancing efficiency and safety, demonstrate innovative reverse logistics pilots, and empower the European circularity.
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Rebelion 

REBELION is a project funded by the European Union with the objective of addressing the waste management challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in electric mobility. After their second life, recycling represents not only the most environmentally friendly alternative for batteries, but also a natural and economic resource since the raw materials contained in LIBs can be valorised for further manufacturing. This is particularly relevant in the EU, which is a net importer of critical raw materials while up to 40% of the EVs are sold in Europe. Therefore, a solid recycling industry can become the European mining equivalent, promoting both environmental and economic benefits to the EU region.

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Haven Project 

HAVEN is innovating energy storage systems by developing a Hybrid Energy Storage Solution (HESS) that can store energy for long periods and provide multiple grid support services. This advanced solution utilizes next-generation storage technologies, optimized power converters, and advanced energy management tools, ensuring modularity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

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TradeRES 

The TradeRES project will develop and test innovative electricity market designs that can meet society’s needs of a (near) 100% renewable power system. A long-term sustainable market design needs to provide efficient operational and investment incentives for an electricity system that is characterized by a high share of variable renewable energy sources (VREs) by increasing integration with other energy sectors, e.g. transport and hydrogen, and by increasing participation of flexible electricity demand from households to industrial consumers. Furthermore, this market design needs to provide security of supply by ensuring sufficient controllable electricity generation capacity whilst being economically efficient. Finally, despite the variability of solar and wind energy, the market risks should be allocated in an efficient and socially accepted way. This should also safeguard that consumers are not exposed to extreme swings in their energy expenses. In this sense, this project aims at finding market designs that are economically efficient in the above setting. To achieve these goals the project will use an iterative methodology and involve the key players from the energy sector in order to achieve and test the most suitable market designs. The project TradeRES – Tools for the Design and Modelling of New Markets and Negotiation Mechanisms for a ~100% Renewable European Power System, is funded by the EU framework programme for research and innovation Horizon 2020 under the call H2020-LC-SC3-2019-ES-SCC.
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SOLITEK 

SoliTek is Northern Europe’s largest solar module producer, proudly delivering the world’s most sustainable solar modules and manufacturing smart battery SoliTek NOVA. Founded in 2009, SoliTek is a part of the BOD Group, which has been successfully operating for the last 25 years as a family-owned conglomeration of high-tech companies. Now, SoliTek has achieved net-zero status, marking our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. SoliTek’s solar modules are entirely environmentally friendly since their panels are the world’s first to receive the “Cradle to Cradle” Gold certification. This certification verifies that solar modules comply with the highest environmental sustainability standards, energy efficiency, and social responsibility requirements. The manufacturing procedure employs 35% recycled glass, and the modules are entirely recyclable after their 30-year warranty period. 100% renewable energy is utilized during the production procedure. SoliTek specializes in providing a glass glass solar modules tailored to various applications. Our offerings include integrated solar panels for walls or roofs, solar carports, and panels designed for optimal transparency in greenhouses. We prioritize safety and performance excellence, a commitment evident in the certification of our modules by the DIBt certificate for overhead glazing use.

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TATA Power Company Limited

Tata Power is a leading integrated power company in India, boasting a capacity of 14,294 MW along with its subsidiaries and partners. They cover the entire power value chain, including renewables like solar and wind, as well as conventional sources such as hydro and thermal energy. Notably, 38% of their portfolio comes from clean energy generation, highlighting their leadership in this sector. The company has successful partnerships in power generation and distribution, serving over 12.9 million consumers through its Discoms under public-private partnerships. With a focus on sustainability, Tata Power is expanding into distributed generation through rooftop solar, microgrids, and other initiatives. With a track record of technological innovation and commitment to green initiatives, Tata Power is poised for further growth in the energy sector.

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MASEN

Masen is the group responsible for managing renewable energy in Morocco. Masen leads development programmes of integrated projects aimed at creating an additional 3,000 MW of clean electricity generation capacity by 2020 and a further 6,000 MW by 2030.The goal is to secure 52% of the country’s energy mix from renewable sources by 2030. As a central player committed to making optimal use of renewable resources, Masen transforms natural power into power for progress. The integrated model Masen has devised aims to establish self-sustaining and financially viable ecosystems. In addition to generating electricity through major projects and raising the funds required to do so, Masen seeks to act as a catalyst for the development of a competitive economic network that employs existing skills efficiently and helps create new ones. At the same time, the development of applied research and the promotion of technological innovation are encouraged. The local development strategy Masen has developed – a true reflection of its integrated approach – helps the regions that host its projects to achieve territorial equity and sustainable growth. Finally, its constant concern for protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions underpins Masen’s entire approach.

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SIRO 

Siro was established on September 27, 2021 as a joint venture between Togg and Farasis Energy to develop energy storage solutions for automotive and non-automotive use in Türkiye and surrounding markets. Siro started mass production of battery modules and packs it developed in 2023. Siro, which will start the production of battery cells that it has started to develop as of 2023, will start in 2026 and will become an important energy storage player in the region with its 20 GWh production capacity that it will reach in time. Siro will present its developed energy storage solutions to global markets, and will provide services in the field of energy storage solutions that will support renewable energy, electric grid, charging stations and residential solutions besides automotive, and will be directly responsible for 120 countries in the region besides Türkiye.
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Bern University of Applied Sciences

Anyone who studies at Bern University of Applied Sciences can do so in an interdisciplinary way and in an international context, without setting foot outside the University: within its eight departments, a range of subjects as varied as nursing, food technology and sports are taught. It is also a meeting point for students from many diverse countries. Many-sided yet goal-orientated: anyone who chooses to study at Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH runs no risk at all of focussing solely on their course. With eight departments under one roof, it’s not difficult to see your subject from another angle. The 30 bachelor’s degree courses, 22 master’s courses, and numerous continuing education programmes combine to give BFH a remarkable profile. The University is based in Bern, Burgdorf, Biel/Bienne, Zollikofen and Magglingen.

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RES4AFRICA

Born in 2012, RES4Africa (Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa) is a Foundation that works in support of Africa’s just energy transition in order to achieve the SDG7, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. It functions as a bridge between Europe and Africa: gathering a network of members from all over the clean energy sector from both continents and high-level international partnerships, we ensure constant dialogue between the most relevant energy stakeholders willing to mobilise investments in clean energy technologies.

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Asociación Española de la innovación en el marketing y la inversión sostenible

AEIMIS is established as an independent national association, non-profit and non-speculative, with the aim of centralizing, promoting, and disseminating knowledge related to practices, tools, evaluation methods, and existing investment mechanisms that allow members to understand how these operate in different business sectors.

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INEGI

Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is a Research and Technology Organisation (RTO), founded in 1986, focused on research and technology-based innovation activities, technology transfer, consulting and technological services, oriented to the development of industry and economy in general. A non-profit, private and recognised as a public utility entity.

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OCTAVE Energy

As leaders in second-life battery energy storage systems, Octave is committed to developing sustainable solutions for the energy transition. Their innovative approach is modeled on a circular economy to reduce waste and mitigate climate change. Octave empowers a cleaner and brighter future for all. The team at Octave strongly believes that using virgin batteries for stationary energy storage makes little sense. They recognize that battery packs considered end-of-life in electric vehicles still retain over 80% usable capacity, and Octave is determined not to let it go to waste. Octave’s mission is to give a second life to batteries from electric vehicles, repurposing them into a much-needed source of sustainable energy storage.
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Corvus Energy

Corvus Energy deploys large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) using advanced lithium-ion battery systems proven economical, safe, and reliable in a range of challenging maritime and transportation applications. As the leading battery system supplier for hybrid and electric commercial marine vessels—such as ferries, cruise ships, offshore supply vessels, and tugboats—Corvus Energy been honored with numerous environmental awards and is the only supplier to carry DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS and BV product Type Approvals. Corvus Energy systems are also used in hybrid port cranes, electric light rail vehicles, hybrid trains, commercial vehicles, and an ever-expanding range of applications that demand exceptional battery performance. Corvus Energy systems have helped significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 / GHG emissions, providing operators with impressive ROI along with global recognition for clean energy leadership.
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EATON

Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy and helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges.
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EDF

Électricité de France S.A. (literally Electricity of France), commonly known as EDF, is a French multinational electric utility company owned by the French state. Headquartered in Paris, with €143.5 billion in revenues in 2022,[2] EDF operates a diverse portfolio of at least 120 gigawatts of generation capacity in Europe, South America, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
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IKERLAN 

IKERLAN is a leading knowledge transfer technological centre providing competitive value to companies. We seek for excellence in R&D&i, thanks to the continuous adaptation to the needs of our customers and the proximity with the business reality. Faithful to our mission, we have been working daily since 1974 to develop solutions that allow our customers to become more and more competitive. We are a cooperative member of the MONDRAGON Corporation and the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA).
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VTT 

VTT is a visionary partner in research, development and innovation and one of Europe’s leading research institutes. With more than 2000 professionals, we develop both systemic and technological solutions that can change the world. We promise to think beyond the obvious.
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Fraunhofer Gesellschaft  

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world’s leading organization for application-oriented research. With its focus on future-oriented key technologies and the utilization of results in business and industry, it plays a central role in the innovation process. As a guide and driving force for innovative developments and scientific excellence, it helps to shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the organization currently operates 75 institutes and research facilities in Germany. Around 29,000 employees, most of whom are trained in the natural sciences or engineering, work with an annual research budget of 2.8 billion euros. Of this, 2.3 billion euros is spent on contract research.

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BRING

Brussels Research and Innovation Center for Green Technologies (BRING) is a nonprofit organization for the development of green and sustainable technologies and solutions. Research and development of various rechargeable energy storage systems and energy technologies for Lightweight and Heavy-duty vehicles, electric vessels and utility scales. 
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