EV battery network could feed renewable energy back to the grid

Western Power Distribution (WPD) is working to create a nationwide network of electric vehicle (EV) batteries that could store renewable energy and feed it back into the grid during peak times. 

EVs are often seen as a problem in relation to the increasing demand for electricity networks. 

However, WPD has said that this issue could be resolved through the development of a nationwide network of batteries which store electricity generated from renewable sources at non-peak times, then feedback power to the grid at peak times. 

In partnership with CrowdCharge, WPD has been working on its Electric Nation Project to trial a system to show how this would work. 

WPD is currently recruiting 100 Nissan EV owners to take part in the trial.

By plugging in at specified times and putting energy back into the grid, active participants of the Electric Nation project are expected to earn back a minimum of £120 a year. 

A tool has also been created by WPD and EA Technology which will assess the impact of EVs on local low voltage networks. This shows where networks are becoming constrained as a result of local clusters of EVs.

Roger Hey, WPD’s DSO systems and projects manager said: ‘One of the latest Nissan LEAFs with a 62 kWh battery would be able to put energy back into the grid that would be the equivalent of powering a house for days. 

‘Multiply this by millions of EVs across the UK and there is the potential for huge storage which can mitigate the peaks in electricity demand. And people could be rewarded for offering their EVs as a service to the grid.’ 

Photo Credit – Pixabay