What is V2G Technology?
- Definition: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that enables Electric Vehicles (EVs) to send power back to the electricity grid. This is possible when an EV is connected to a bi-directional charger.
- Functionality: When EVs are idle (not in use), their batteries can act as decentralized energy storage systems. V2G allows for the discharging of stored energy from EVs back to the grid to stabilize supply and demand, especially during peak times.
- Types: The key uses include V2G, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), with V2G being the most common for grid support.
Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Energy)
Global Status of V2G
- Mature Markets: In regions like the U.K. and the Netherlands, V2G has already been implemented, where EV owners are incentivized to send excess power back to the grid during peak hours.
- Incentives and Market Mechanisms: In places like California, EV users contribute to grid stability, particularly during fluctuations in renewable energy generation, and are compensated for this service.
- Distributed Energy: EVs serve as a form of decentralized energy storage, becoming a critical resource for grid support during emergencies or natural disasters.
V2G in India: Current Scenario
- Nascent Stage: While the concept of V2G has gained momentum in mature EV markets, India is still in the early stages of integrating V2G technology into the power grid.
- Focus Areas:
- EV charging infrastructure planning is a major priority in response to the growing number of EVs on the roads.
- Pilot projects are being initiated by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for smart charging, with a focus on V2G integration.
- Challenges:
- India’s electricity market structure is different from countries like the U.S. and Europe, and is not yet conducive to decentralized solutions like V2G.
- The current grid system faces challenges due to the variable nature of renewable energy and the imbalance between supply and demand.
Key Project: KSEB-IIT Bombay Collaboration
- Kerala’s EV Adoption: Kerala is seeing rapid adoption of EVs, which has raised concerns about increasing electricity demand, particularly during peak hours in the evening.
- Project Focus:
- The KSEB-IIT Bombay project aims to assess the ability of EVs to provide support to the grid, particularly during periods of peak demand when renewable solar energy is unavailable.
- The collaboration will explore V2G as a means to utilize EVs as decentralized energy resources and ensure a stable supply to the grid.
Potential Benefits for India’s Power Sector
- Grid Stability: V2G can enhance grid reliability by acting as a distributed storage solution. This becomes critical for balancing grid demand, especially during peak hours or when renewable energy generation is low.
- Renewable Energy Integration: EVs can help integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind by storing excess energy and providing it to the grid when needed, thus reducing the intermittency of renewable power.
- Support to the Energy Transition: The deployment of V2G could facilitate India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, supporting both the growing adoption of EVs and the country’s renewable energy targets.
