Dutch Energy Giant and Government Fund Invest in Circular Battery Pioneer

2026-02-11 green

Amsterdam, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Greenchoice and Invest-NL have backed Zhero Systems, which transforms used lithium-ion cells into new energy storage systems, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional battery manufacturing that relies on polluting mines and costly recycling.

Strategic Investment in Circular Battery Technology

Dutch energy provider Greenchoice and government investment fund Invest-NL have announced their joint investment in Zhero Systems, formerly known as Refurb Battery, marking a significant step toward scaling circular battery technology in the Netherlands [1][2]. The Amsterdam-based company specializes in developing Circular Energy Storage Systems (CESS) that carefully assemble circular batteries from recycled lithium-ion cells, making them available for both businesses and households in the form of home batteries [1][2]. This investment will enable Zhero Systems to further expand its production capacity, addressing the rapidly growing demand for battery storage solutions driven by increasing solar and wind energy supply, ongoing grid congestion, and the phasing out of the salding scheme [1][2].

Addressing Critical Supply Chain Challenges

The investment comes at a crucial time when traditional battery production faces significant environmental and economic challenges. Conventional battery manufacturing relies heavily on raw materials from polluting mines, generates substantial CO₂ emissions, incurs high recycling costs, and creates strong dependence on imports [1][2]. Zhero Systems’ circular approach offers a compelling alternative by extending the life of existing battery materials, as demonstrated by a concrete example of a supermarket in IJsselmuiden that successfully opened despite grid congestion thanks to smart circular energy storage solutions [1]. The company’s systems are produced in the Netherlands using previously manufactured battery cells that are reused, with designs focused on repair and reuse while considering the ultimate recovery and reuse of raw materials from the start [1][2].

Leadership Vision for Energy Independence

Marty Smits, co-founder of Zhero Systems, emphasized the company’s belief that the energy transition will only succeed when valuable raw materials are used as long and as often as possible, while reducing dependence on other countries [1][2]. “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,” Smits stated [1][2]. The company recently underwent a strategic rebranding from Refurb Battery to Zhero Systems, reflecting its evolution and strengthened identity in the circular energy storage market [6]. This transformation, announced on February 9, 2026, positions the company to better represent its commitment to circular energy storage, innovation, and measurable impact [6].

Market Access and Circular Economy Benefits

Erik van Engelen, CEO of Greenchoice, highlighted how the early investment provides the company’s business and private customers with first access to circular battery solutions, enabling them to contribute to the reuse of rare metals while optimally utilizing their generated green electricity [1][2]. Emma den Held, Senior Investment Manager at Invest-NL, noted that Zhero Systems is building a scalable circular battery supply chain in the Netherlands, directly increasing available storage capacity through smart management of critical raw materials [1][2]. The investment supports a solution that strengthens the energy system and accelerates the circular economy, with each battery cell in a Zhero system individually tested, tracked, and traceable, providing data that results in measurable CO₂ reduction applicable in sustainability reports [4][5]. The systems are designed as modular units capable of multiple lifecycles, adapting to changing applications while reducing environmental impact through their ‘Circular by Design’ philosophy [4][5].

Bronnen

energy storage circular batteries