ArenA super-battery

Since last year, the Johan Cruijff ArenA has been making use of a super-battery. This means that football matches and pop concerts can always continue, even in the event of a power failure. The mega-battery is made up of 148 electric car batteries, most of which are second-hand, making it a great example of circular economy principles. This unique project resulted from collaboration between Nissan, Eaton, BAM, The Mobility House and the Johan Cruijff ArenA, supported by the Amsterdam Climate and Energy Fund and Interreg.

The energy storage system provides the stadium, its visitors, local residents and the Dutch power grid with a more reliable and more efficient energy supply. The battery has a total capacity of 3 megawatts, which is enough to supply several thousand households. The super-battery stores the energy generated by the 4,200 solar panels installed on the roof of the ArenA and means that the energy storage system is used as effectively as possible. The battery supplies back-up power, makes the use of diesel generators superfluous, and relieves the pressure on the power network by levelling off the peaks that occur during concerts.

The ArenA’s battery not only serves as a back-up for the stadium itself but also for its neighbours. In the event of a power failure, the Ziggo Dome and AFAS Live concert venues can also make use of this emergency power supply. Before the mega-battery was installed, the ArenA had only two diesel generators to use in emergencies, providing just enough power for emergency lighting and evacuating the stadium.

After a period of time, the peak capacity of electric car batteries reduces. At peak capacity, a fast car can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (or more) within a few seconds. Once a battery’s peak capacity has reduced, it is no longer suitable for a fast car. However, it is perfectly good for storing energy at a stable level and then resupplying that energy. The 148 used batteries at the ArenA are therefore a great example of the application of the principles of the circular economy.