Swiss company Libbation, specializing in stationary energy storage systems utilizing recycled electric vehicle (EV) batteries, has inaugurated a new upcycling facility in Biberist, Switzerland. The company claims this is the largest EV battery upcycling production facility in Europe.
The newly established 7,000-square-meter facility is projected to achieve an annual production capacity of 500 MWh by 2026. While the initial production capacity has not been disclosed, Libbation indicates that the facility has the potential to scale up to 1 GWh. The expansion is aimed at reducing reliance on imported raw materials, enhancing Europe’s energy security through localized production, and addressing the increasing demand for energy storage solutions.
Headquartered in Zurich, Libbation designs and manufactures modular energy storage systems using used or surplus EV batteries. These systems range in capacity from 97 kWh to 60 MWh, catering to a diverse array of energy storage needs. The company forecasts a significant rise in demand for its products, anticipating production growth from 7 MWh in 2022 to 12 MWh in 2023, and further expanding to 27 MWh by 2024.
Stefan Bahamonde, CEO and co-founder of Libbation, stated, “The demand for energy storage solutions continues to grow, and reusing EV batteries as stationary energy storage units unlocks huge potential for the European storage market. Our new production hall allows us to respond flexibly to market demands while making a significant contribution to conserving resources in Europe. Thanks to automation, we can operate not only efficiently but also economically, and precisely scale our capacity to match demand.”
The Biberist facility is strategically located between Bern and Basel, sharing premises with the Swiss battery recycling company Librec. This proximity fosters regional synergies across the supply and value chain, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of battery upcycling processes.
Approximately a year ago, Libbation secured €14 million in funding, attracting four investors: the A&G Energy Transition Tech Fund, Spanish automotive supplier Teknia, Portuguese fund HCapital New Ideas II, and Swiss energy provider EBL. This financial backing supports the company’s expansion and underscores investor confidence in Libbation’s sustainable approach to energy storage.
Libbation’s advancements in EV battery upcycling contribute to the broader sustainability goals within the energy and transportation sectors, positioning the company as a key player in Europe’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Source: Electrive
