The landmark Western Australian trial will test the two-way charging potential of electric vehicles (EVs).
Horizon Power is conducting the trial at Exmouth – Western Australia’s first trial of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability – to test the capability of its management system to allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage solutions.
If successful, V2G could help power homes, reduce power bills and stabilise the electricity grid.
Horizon Power is set to commence a 12 month trial in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry and WA Country Health Service, which operates Exmouth Hospital.
Each will receive a Nissan Leaf EV equipped with V2G smart-charging equipment and will be encouraged to use the vehicles as normal.
Exmouth was selected as its tourism-reliant economy means energy consumption fluctuates due to daily and seasonal demand, especially during school holiday periods.
The trial’s outcomes will enable Horizon Power to understand how automated orchestration of distributed energy resource (DER) assets can help increase and optimise the use of renewable energy through EVs while maintaining network reliability.
Jet Charge will supply the V2G WallBox Quasar smart charger to be used for the trial, with a local Exmouth electrical contractor to provide support and maintenance for it as required.
Western Australia Minister for Energy and Climate Action, Reece Whitby, said, “This trial represents a significant milestone for Western Australia’s renewable energy uptake.
“The outcomes of this trial will allow Horizon Power to understand how two-way EV charging can contribute to a sustainable and efficient energy future for our state.
“This builds on the government’s commitment to delivering vital infrastructure to support the uptake of EVs throughout Western Australia, including through the Western Australia EV Network and the provision of Charge Up grants,” Mr Whitby said.
Western Australia Minister for Mining and Pastoral Region, Peter Foster, said, “I’m excited for this trial. There are unique challenges to powering regional towns where the population can grow and shrink dramatically depending on the time of year.
“This is one potential way to improve power reliability and stability.
“It’s great to see collaboration between the state government, local governments and local business leaders to come up with innovative solutions like this,” Mr Foster said.
Horizon Power Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Unwin, said, “As EV ownership increases, orchestration of DER represents one of the largest enablers of the energy transition.
“The EV Orchestration Trial will provide us with valuable insights around whether our customers’ next cars can help power their homes, keep downward pressure on their power bills and help stabilise our electricity grid.
“Horizon Power is committed to exploring this innovative technology to provide customers with more choice and to prepare for the anticipated increase in power supply in response to residential, fleet, and visitor EV charging needs within regional Western Australia.
“The trial supports the state government’s commitment to reduce public sector carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2030 and becoming net zero by 2050.
“It is destinations such as Exmouth, with World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef, that easily and visibly remind us all why the work we do towards reducing emissions is important,” Ms Unwin said.
Featured image: A trial car at the Exmouth EV Orchestration Trial. Courtesy of Horizon Power.
