News

CSIRO and Essential Energy Launch regional vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial

Comments

Essential Energy and CSIRO have launched a collaboration to explore the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology through a new trial aimed at integrating this innovative solution within a comprehensive home energy management system in regional areas. The pioneering project tests the use of bidirectional EV chargers, enabling a two-way flow of power between the electric vehicle, the home, and the electricity grid—transforming an EV into a dynamic energy storage unit that could potentially store excess renewable energy when costs are lower and redistribute it during peak demand times.

▶️MORE: Watt is Bidirectional Charging, V2G, V2H, V2L?

Dr Sam Behrens, a senior research engineer at CSIRO's Newcastle Energy Centre and the technical leader of this venture with Essential Energy, explained, "Currently, a homeowner can install a battery with limited storage capability, but an EV can hold up to five times more energy. Harnessing your EV to save solar power generated during the sunny hours could cover your electricity needs at night. This could also aid the grid by distributing power more evenly and relieving peak loads, thereby improving consistency and robustness."

Essential Energy Innovation hub testing V2G

Click to expand

Image by - Essential Energy

Essential Energy has already set up what could be considered the 'residential house of the future' within its Innovation Hub located in Port Macquarie. The company has equipped the house with various consumer energy solutions such as solar PV panels and batteries, as well as numerous fully-controllable appliances, to create an optimal setting for the V2G trial. The objective is to demonstrate how to incorporate V2G within household energy management, in addition to supporting the electricity network during high-demand periods.

"Our project, by being situated in regional Australia, delivers an authentic context as we employ actual household devices in a lab environment to test a variety of realistic, adjustable home scenarios with V2G," said Kate Cavanagh, who leads the CSIRO Transport Electrification team. The initiative lays the groundwork for expanding V2G capabilities and potential policy development nationally.

Despite its promise, V2G technology's application for EV owners in Australia is currently limited, facing regulatory hurdles when integrating V2G chargers into the grid, including the need to comply with existing Australian standards (AS4777.2).

The joint CSIRO–Essential Energy trial seeks to better understand how V2G can be incorporated into residential settings and the wider electric grid and to identify barriers hindering the widespread adoption of V2G as a valuable energy resource for households and businesses.

Luke Jenner, the COO of Essential Energy, remarked on the importance of trialing V2G technology, emphasising its ability to enhance value for customers with rooftop solar and EV batteries. He also noted that V2G could help reduce costs for all consumers by more efficiently directing energy within the network and potentially reducing the need for further investments in the energy infrastructure.

Stay up to date with the latest EV news

  • Get the latest news and update
  • New EV model releases
  • Get money savings-deal

Privacy policy