Tilburg’s rapid growth is driving new housing construction, rising grid congestion, and a growing number of households struggling with energy poverty. At the same time, the rise of electric vehicles is producing a fast-growing stream of used EV batteries that current regulations struggle to manage effectively.
BatteREstore responds to these challenges by giving used EV batteries a second and third life: first as temporary power on construction sites, then as local energy storage for affordable housing communities in vulnerable neighbourhoods. This circular approach keeps batteries in use from construction through to occupancy, reducing grid pressure, lowering energy costs, and cutting battery waste.
BatteREstore is a four-year project (2025–2029) funded by the European Urban Initiative (EUI) through the European Regional Development Fund, with a total budget of around €6 million, including a €4.8 million EU subsidy. It brings together the Municipality of Tilburg, Tilburg University, Cenex NL, NRG Group, Greeny Energy, Emission-0, ContourdeTwern, Energiebox and Energiewending.
Objectives
- Extend the lifespan of used EV batteries by reusing them for construction-site power (2nd life) and community energy storage (3rd life).
- Reduce grid congestion and make energy storage more affordable for residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
- Tackle energy poverty by actively involving residents and community organisations in the project’s design and rollout.
- Demonstrate a scalable, replicable circular model that other European cities can adopt.
Cenex NL key contribution:
Cenex NL acts as the project’s independent evaluator, monitoring lead and scale-up advisor. We develop the monitoring framework and KPIs, assess the technical, environmental, economic and social impacts of the battery demonstrations, and support site readiness, policy development and replication planning. Our work turns the Tilburg demonstrations into credible evidence and actionable lessons that other European cities can use to scale similar solutions.