SP Group has begun a study to test and evaluate the feasibility of transferring energy from electric vehicle (EV) batteries back to the power grid. If proven viable, vehicle-to-grid technology can be a “win-win” for both the electricity system and electric vehicle owners, according to SP Group on Thursday (July 8), as it can help overcome solar power’s intermittency while allowing vehicle owners to be paid for the use of their batteries when needed.
When Singapore phases out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, this will help to improve grid resilience and meet demand for energy to sustain more than 600,000 vehicles, according to the business.
Singapore said in Budget 2020 that by 2040, government plans to phase out internal combustion engines and replace them with cleaner energy vehicles.
Since then, the government has launched a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging people to drive more environmentally friendly vehicles, including an EV Early Adoption Incentive and plans to improve public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
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According to SP Group, vehicle-to-grid technology enables for “more complex” energy transmission between electric vehicle batteries and the power grid than unidirectional charging.
Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles can operate as modest energy storage systems when fully charged. These can help balance the electricity system by compensating any loss of solar power due to rain or cloud cover, or by storing excess energy during periods of high solar generation. Customers will be able to contribute when vehicle-to-grid technology is incorporated, according to SP Group. Power plants have traditionally played a role in managing such intermittency.
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For the study, which runs until June of next year, SP Group is providing four vehicle-to-grid charging outlets on its grounds.
The trial will aim to demonstrate vehicle-to-grid capability and applications, such as frequency regulation, demand reduction from traditional energy sources, distribution system mitigation of too-high or too-low voltage, and electric vehicle charging during peak and off-peak periods, according to the company.
Mr Stanley Huang, group CEO of SP Group, said, “Our trial of vehicle-to-grid connectivity is another step towards assisting Singapore’s green energy transformation.”
“As the national grid operator, we’re constructing a resilient and smart grid for the future, ensuring that our energy system can handle the increased load resulting from the shift to electric vehicles.”/n
