Electricity consumption in the European Union is expected to increase by 60% between now and 2030.
To adjust to this rise, the whole power networks ecosystem needs to become more and more agile. “The Grid needs to be an enabler, not a bottleneck in the clean energy transition” recalled Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy.
The European Union unveiled the EU Action Plan for Grids
To that end, the European Union recently unveiled the EU Action Plan for Grids.
It encompasses several measures that aim to accelerate the roll-out of the electricity grids and address the main challenges in expanding, digitalising and better using EU electricity transmission and distribution grids.
These measures include:
- Improving the long-term planning of grids to accommodate more renewables and electrified demand in the energy system
- Incentivising a better usage of the grids with enhanced transparency and improved network tariffs for more smart grids network efficiency and innovative technologies.
INCIT-EV partners are convinced that electric vehicles can support the implementation of the Plan and the necessary evolution of the power grid.
Reducing grid congestion and turning electric vehicles into renewable energy storages thanks to bidirectional charging
Bidirectional charging enables electric vehicles to discharge their power back into the power grid or to recharge each other. As such, it is an efficient response to cope with surges in power demand.
Bidirectional charging technologies are also an asset in reaching Europe’s renewable energy target by turning cars’ batteries into local and flexible renewable energy storages. This energy can be reinjected into the grid according to the needs and significantly increase the part of renewables in the electricity mix.
Optimizing the local distribution of power thanks to aggregated smart-charging
Other technologies like aggregated smart-charging also directly help reduce grid congestion by optimizing the local distribution of power based on various inputs like EV driver connection times, EV charging capabilities, …
Exploring interoperability between public transport and electric vehicles infrastructure
Strengthening interoperability between electric vehicles infrastructures and public transport infrastructure is also key to better use the European power network.
In Turin, INCIT-EV partners built a charging station powered by the tramway infrastructure. Thanks to this extra load, the tramway grid gains stability. It results in a decrease in the voltage spikes.
