DB installs second-life battery storage at ICE depot in Leipzig

Deutsche Bahn states that the new energy system—consisting of a battery storage unit and a photovoltaic (PV) array with a capacity of up to 250 kilowatts—can cover approximately one-quarter of the Leipzig depot’s electricity demand. The company expects the setup to reduce annual energy costs at the site by around €85,000.

Katrin Habenschaden, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Deutsche Bahn AG, commented: “Deutsche Bahn aims to be climate neutral by 2040. By modernising the Leipzig ICE depot’s energy system, we are showing very concretely how sustainability and economic efficiency go hand in hand.”

The PV system, with a total output of around 291 kilowatt-peak (kWp), has been installed across three buildings at the depot. The battery storage system is networked with the PV installation and continuously monitors the site’s energy demand. When demand spikes, the battery discharges to shave peak loads—such as when trains require electricity from the public grid for testing purposes rather than via the overhead line.

Another high-consumption process is the underfloor wheel lathe (URD), used to smooth out irregularities and flat spots on train wheelsets. When the battery is fully charged and the PV system produces more energy than needed, excess electricity is fed back into the public grid.

DB clarified that the second-life battery storage unit was developed by its own startup, Encore. “The battery modules were used in electric vehicles for about five to seven years before no longer delivering sufficient performance for mobile use. However, they still offer ample capacity for use in stationary battery storage,” the company explained. Each module was tested individually and then reassembled into the current configuration.

While DB did not specify the automotive brand supplying the battery modules, it is known that the rail operator entered into a strategic partnership with Kia in 2022 for the reuse of used EV batteries. At that time, a project in Leipzig was already under discussion, and DB confirmed that its startup Encore would handle procurement and assembly.

deutschebahn.com (in German)