EV uptake can help level grid capacity with smart charging

20/08/2020

A new joint white paper by Delta-EE, Kaluza and UK Power Networks has said that an increase in electric vehicle sales will help to significantly balance grid supply and demand in the future.

The paper said vehicles smart charging at home will provide the flexible load needed to balance the increasing intermittent generation at the national (TSO) and local (DSO) level.

The ‘Smart electric vehicle charging with the customer and grid in mind’ white paper said that during the COVID-19 lockdown, demand and generation mix has changed significantly.

This has resulted in additional system balancing costs of up to £500 million between May and August this year alone.

The report said: “Intelligent optimisation of household loads can help solve these residential network challenges.

“The increase in EV uptake presents a significant opportunity for smart charging at the household level.”

In June 2020, UK Power Networks became the first network operator in the UK to award flexibility agreements to smart EV charging providers.

The joint white-paper said that in order to deliver network benefits through smart charging, DNOs need to understand the reliability and level of response that can be achieved, while giving customers control of their charging.

It added: “In order to successfully realise the benefits of smart EV charging, end customers must be incentivised through compelling energy propositions and a choice of the latest charging hardware that give them a rewarding and seamless digital experience.”

Download the full report here.

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