Circunomics and encore | DB Intensify Collaboration

Partnership of start-ups secures surplus batteries for sustainable battery energy storage systems

Reducing the carbon footprint as a common, overriding goal

Economic advantages through the use of the complete value chain

Mainz. Mainz-based start-up, Circunomics, and the encore | DB team (Frankfurt/Main), which is part of the DB Bahnbau Group, are intensifying their collaboration. Both companies have made a successful start within the circular economy arena. They address an important topic: the sustainable use of surplus batteries from e-mobility for further second-life use in stationary battery energy storage systems. encore | DB is already one of Circunomics' customers and purchases batteries via the digital B2B marketplace developed by Circunomics. 

In the years to come, Circunomics will ensure that encore | DB has access to enough high-quality batteries within the ever-changing market. These batteries will be used in powerful modular battery storage systems until they reach end-of-life. Circunomics will also offer its marketplace as a point of contact for responsible recycling.

“We are pleased to partner with encore | DB, which has the same goal as we do. Together we seek the sustainable use of battery packs, modules and cells in a second-life application. This reduces the carbon footprint of the battery and uses fewer of the valuable raw materials. No new batteries need to be produced for a second-life applications. Additionally, the delivery of batteries to a professional recycling facility after their second use ensures that more recyclates are used in the production of new batteries,” says Felix Wagner, CEO and Co-Founder of Circunomics.

“Our product strategy is based on making optimal use of existing resources by giving batteries that already exist a meaningful use instead of disposing of them unused. With Circunomics, a leading partner with a rapidly growing European network and strong relationships with battery owners, we simplify the process of sourcing surplus batteries. This collaboration ensures a reliable and sustainable supply chain for the long term and strengthens our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility,” says Fabian Cordes, Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships and Customer Development.

The current and future challenges surrounding e-mobility are enormous. In 2030, within the passenger vehicle sector alone, over five million batteries from e-vehicles will come into the market that have reached the end of their useful life and will be scrapped. Depending upon the use and stress in their first-life, a second use may arise. In this case, it depends on how exactly the use in the second-life is designed and which requirements are then still placed on the battery. The closer integration of Circunomics' Battery Lifecycle Management Solution and encore's innovative battery energy storage systems creates a strong partnership.