An electric vehicle (EV) orchestration trial in Exmouth, Western Australia, will test Horizon Power’s electricity network for vehicle-to-grid capabilities.
Horizon Power is conducting the trial, which is Western Australia’s first trial of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability to test the capability of its management system and to allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage solutions.
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If successful, V2G could help power homes, reduce power bills, and stabilise the electricity grid.
Horizon Power will commence the 12-month trial this month, 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.
Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “As EV ownership increases, orchestration of DER, represents one of the largest enablers of the energy transition.
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“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 WA.”
