Sweden backs Smartports and partners to scale a national circular battery value chain
Smartports joins Rebaba, Stena Recycling, OKQ8 Group, and RISE to accelerate Sweden’s leadership in circular battery reuse and sustainable energy infrastructure
Smartports is partnering with Rebaba, Stena Recycling, OKQ8 Group, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in a new industry-wide initiative awarded funding from Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency, to scale a circular, responsible, and traceable national battery value chain. The collaboration will build a comprehensive system for testing and upcycling EV batteries, deploying them in second-life energy storage systems, and ensuring responsible recycling at end of life.
The initiative — with a total value of approximately €2.4 million, of which €1.1 million is funded by Vinnova — supports Sweden’s ambition to strengthen energy resilience, accelerate the green transition, and secure long-term competitiveness in the European battery landscape.
“Sweden has a strong position with access to raw materials, fossil-free electricity, expertise, and strong companies and other actors. […] Sweden and Europe need to advance their positions for long-term competitiveness and reduced vulnerability. That is why this initiative is important,” says Ida Langborg, Responsible for Sustainable Value Chains at Vinnova.
Smartports: Bringing circular battery storage to solar carports and EV charging hubs
As part of the project, Smartports will integrate second-life energy storage systems into its solar carports and EV charging hubs deployed across commercial properties. This model enables property owners to reduce energy costs, avoid expensive grid upgrades, optimize local solar production, and participate in demand-response markets — while using fully circular battery technology.
“We see huge potential in integrating second-life batteries to power solar carports and EV chargers at our customers’ sites. This project shows how we can make charging both greener and more cost-efficient, proving that technology and sustainability truly go hand in hand,” says Julian Lundberg, CEO of Smartports.
A national initiative spanning reuse, research, recycling, and responsibility
The partnership brings together complementary capabilities across the entire battery life cycle:
Rebaba will lead development and scaling of next-generation circular energy storage solutions built from second-life EV batteries, moving from proven pilots to commercial deployment nationwide.
Stena Recycling will strengthen national capacity for collection, upcycling, and responsible recycling of EV batteries, ensuring full material recovery and extended life cycles.
OKQ8 Group will develop and implement Human Rights Due Diligence methodologies across the battery value chain, improving transparency and accountability in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
RISE will contribute applied research, testing, life-cycle analysis, and performance validation to ensure the scalability and reliability of circular energy storage systems.
“Battery reuse is a key part of Sweden’s transition toward a sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient energy system. […] Through our partnership with Rebaba, RISE contributes applied research, testing, life-cycle and cost analysis, and validation, essential for building high-performing and scalable next-generation circular battery systems,” says Stina Ulfsdotter Starborg at RISE.
Accelerating Sweden’s circular battery leadership
The project will run from 2025 to 2028, laying the groundwork for large-scale deployment of circular energy storage and mobility infrastructure across Sweden. The initiative represents a major step forward in establishing Sweden as a leading European hub for innovative, circular, and profitable battery technology.
About Smartports
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Örebro, Sweden, Smartports transforms parking lots into revenue-generating energy hubs by combining solar panels, EV charging, and battery storage. This creates scalable energy ecosystems that utilize existing spaces instead of exploiting new land, contributing to the green transition while generating new revenue streams for property owners.
Press contact
Elvira Lundell, CMO
Phone: +46 793 138 087
Email: elvira.lundell@smartports.se
