Greenchoice and Invest-NL invest in Zhero Systems to accelerate access to circular batteries for businesses and consumers

Batteries play an essential role in the energy transition. The demand for batteries and energy storage is growing rapidly, partly due to the increasing supply of solar and wind energy, ongoing grid congestion, and the phasing out of the salding scheme. At the same time, battery production has disadvantages: the use of raw materials from polluting mines, CO₂ emissions, high recycling costs, and a strong dependence on imports.

The circular battery systems of Zhero Systems, founded as Refurb Battery, offer a good alternative for this. In this way, households can use their self-generated electricity more efficiently with a home battery, and companies can settle and grow despite limited grid capacity. A concrete example is a supermarket in IJsselmuiden, which was able to open its doors thanks to smart circular energy storage despite grid congestion.

Smart use of materials, ‘made in Europe’

The circular battery systems of Zhero Systems are Circular by Design: from the design focused on as long a lifespan as possible and responsible handling of raw materials.

The systems are produced in the Netherlands based on previously manufactured battery cells that are reused. They are designed for repair and reuse, with the ultimate recovery and reuse of raw materials taken into account from the start.

Marty Smits, co-founder of Zhero Systems: “At Zhero Systems, we believe that the energy transition will only succeed when we use valuable raw materials as long and as often as possible. We also need to become less dependent on other countries. With partners in the battery industry, we are building circular solutions. We are proud that Greenchoice and Invest-NL share this vision with us and support us in implementing it on a large scale.”

Erik van Engelen, CEO of Greenchoice: “By investing early in Zhero Systems, Greenchoice offers its business and private customers first access to circular battery solutions. This allows customers to contribute to the reuse of rare metals, while optimally utilising their generated green electricity.”

Emma den Held, senior investment manager at Invest-NL: “Zhero Systems is building a scalable circular battery supply chain in the Netherlands. By smartly managing critical raw materials, they directly increase available storage capacity. With this investment, we support a solution that strengthens the energy system and accelerates the circular economy.”