Johan Cruijff ArenA’s energy storage system – the largest in Europe using second-life and new electric vehicle batteries in a commercial building – has won the Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice.
The award-winning project is the result of collaboration between Eaton, Nissan, BAM, The Mobility House and the Johan Cruijff ArenA, supported by the Amsterdam Climate and Energy Fund (AKEF) and Interreg.
The 3 megawatt storage system in the largest multi-purpose stadium in the Netherlands, provides a more reliable and efficient energy supply and usage for the stadium, its visitors, neighbours and the Dutch energy grid.
Combining Eaton power conversion units and the equivalent of 148 Nissan LEAF batteries, the energy storage system not only enables a more sustainable energy system, it also creates a circular economy for electric vehicle batteries.
The energy storage system plays an important role in balancing supply and demand of energy in the Johan Cruijff ArenA (formerly Amsterdam ArenA); home to AFC Ajax and the Dutch National Team.
The system has a total capacity of 3 megawatt, enough to power several thousand households. This capacity also means that the energy produced by the 4,200 solar panels on the roof of the ArenA can be stored and used optimally. In addition, the energy storage system will provide back-up power, reducing the use of diesel generators, and provide relief to the energy grid by flattening the peaks that occur during concerts.
Green Apple Awards
The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as a major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries. The awards are organised by The Green Organisation – an international, independent, non-political, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world. The Green Apple Awards are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.
