Vienna launches Austria's largest second-life battery storage facility

Austria has launched its largest second-life battery storage facility in Vienna's 23rd district. The system utilizes approximately 400 decommissioned electric vehicle batteries that no longer meet the performance requirements for automotive use but retain sufficient capacity for stationary applications.

Managed by Wien Energie, the storage unit provides 1 MW of power and 4 MWh of capacity. It is designed to capture surplus electricity from the nearby Rosiwalgasse photovoltaic plant, which consists of 4,000 modules and can supply energy to roughly 400 average Viennese households annually. This initiative aims to promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of lithium, cobalt, and nickel components.

In a related industry development, the Photovoltaic Austria association has rebranded as the Bundesverband Photovoltaic & Battery Austria (PV&B Austria). The name change reflects the organization's increased focus on battery storage, which members identify as critical for Austria's energy security and the integration of renewable energy sources.