North Tyneside Council is giving old EV batteries a second life by using them to charge new electric vans at its Killingworth Site depot. The multi-million-pound project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, includes a solar PV array that generates 600,000 kWh of electricity annually. Over 40 EV chargers will be installed as part of the council’s transition to electric fleets. The project repurposes 80% of the original capacity of end-of-life EV batteries, integrating them with solar PV, grid, and smart technology to reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions.
Connected energy’s E-STOR: A sustainable solution
North Tyneside Council collaborated with Newcastle-based Connected Energy to develop a unique battery energy storage system (BESS) called E-STOR. This innovative system utilises end-of-life EV batteries, which still retain 80% of their original capacity. E-STOR helps the council capture energy for EV charging, buildings, and store grid energy on lower tariffs, significantly reducing electricity bills and cutting carbon emissions.
Connected Energy’s intelligent management system allows E-STOR to integrate seamlessly with solar PV, the grid, and other smart technology such as building management systems, ensuring an efficient balance of the site’s energy needs. With over 30 systems already operating across the UK and Europe, this project marks the first installation in the North-East, making it an innovative milestone for the region.
Energy efficiency measures at Killingworth site
The Killingworth Site depot has implemented several energy efficiency measures in addition to E-STOR. These include a heat recovery system, efficient boilers, LED lighting, a building energy management system, and smart sub-metering. These measures, alongside the repurposing of EV batteries, create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly site. Since February 2023, the project has generated 100,000 kWh of green energy, with 20,000 kWh given back to the grid.
As the council expands its EV fleet, the scalable E-STOR solution allows them to ramp up their use of BESS on-site. Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Environment, emphasises the importance of battery storage in a decarbonised energy ecosystem and praises the inventive approach taken by the council and Connected Energy.
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