Electric vehicles (EVs) could serve as a critical resource during electricity grid emergencies, as evidenced by a pioneering Australian trial.
During a February power outage affecting half a million homes in Victoria, 16 EVs equipped with vehicle-to-grid technology swiftly responded to the disruption, injecting power back into the grid within seconds.
This innovative technology detects frequency variations in the grid, signaling potential supply disruptions even hundreds of kilometers away.
First Real-World Test:
The Realising Electric Vehicle-to-Grid Services trial, conducted by the Australian National University’s battery storage and grid program, marks the world’s first test of EVs’ ability to react to sudden power loss. While the trial’s power contribution was modest, it underscores the significant potential of EVs to stabilize the grid during emergencies.
Dr. Bjorn Sturmberg, the lead researcher, highlighted the potential for EVs to replace conventional emergency reserves, such as gas plants and large batteries. The combined power supply of 105,000 EVs could potentially meet the emergency reserve requirements for both the ACT and NSW.
Demand Reduction and Load Shedding:
Vehicle-to-grid technology not only offers an additional power source but can also be utilized to curtail demand during low supply periods. In the February incident, preventing just 6,000 EVs from charging could have averted the load shedding that affected 90,000 homes.
Researchers suggest that automakers could be mandated to equip their vehicles with technology capable of responding to grid demand. This would enable a more proactive approach to managing grid stability and resilience.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles:
While the federal government has not set specific targets for EV sales, several states have ambitious goals for EV adoption. The number of EVs in Australia has surged, reaching 8% of new car sales in 2023, up from 3% in 2022. At this rate, EVs could comprise 50% of new car sales by 2033.
Future of the Electricity Grid:
Electric vehicles are poised to play a crucial role in the future electricity grid. As their numbers increase, their ability to provide backup power and demand response services could significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of the power system.
The Australian trial demonstrates the feasibility and potential of vehicle-to-grid technology in real-world scenarios. By leveraging the growing EV fleet, Australia and other countries can explore innovative solutions to address power outages and create a more sustainable and resilient energy future.