A collaborative study between CSIRO and Essential Energy has successfully demonstrated the use of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in Australia, utilizing the Combined Charging System (CCS2), the country’s predominant electric vehicle (EV) charging standard. Conducted at Essential Energy’s Innovation Hub in Port Macquarie, the research showcased how EVs can store excess energy from rooftop solar panels and supply it back to the grid during peak demand periods. This advancement positions EVs as flexible energy resources, enhancing grid stability and promoting greater self-consumption of renewable energy.
The study involved integrating a Nissan Leaf EV with a CHAdeMO Wallbox Quasar bidirectional DC charger and an AUSEV Ford F150 Lightning with an upgraded Sigenergy CCS2 charger into a simulated household environment. Both setups successfully managed household energy demands and facilitated energy export to the grid. This marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of V2G technology in Australia, leveraging existing EV infrastructure to support the nation’s energy transition.
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Context & Background
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology enables electric vehicles to not only draw power from the grid but also supply energy back to it, effectively turning EVs into mobile energy storage units. This bidirectional capability can help balance electricity supply and demand, particularly as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent. In Australia, the adoption of V2G has been progressing through various trials and regulatory developments.
In November 2024, Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that Standards Australia had approved new regulations permitting V2G charging nationwide, aiming for implementation by the end of that year. This regulatory advancement was expected to allow EV owners to use their vehicles to power homes or feed energy back into the grid, enhancing grid stability and providing potential cost savings for consumers.
Prior to this, in June 2024, Amber Electric received a $3.2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to trial a software solution for EV smart charging and V2G services. The trial aimed to involve 1,000 customers across multiple states, demonstrating how EVs could participate in the wholesale electricity market and support grid stability.
In This Story
CSIRO
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science agency, conducting research across various fields to solve real-world problems and drive innovation.
Essential Energy
Essential Energy is an Australian electricity distribution company responsible for building, operating, and maintaining the electricity network across regional and rural New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland.
Combined Charging System (CCS2)
The Combined Charging System (CCS2) is a standardized charging protocol for electric vehicles, allowing for both AC and DC charging through a single connector. It is widely adopted in Australia and Europe.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
ARENA is an Australian government agency that supports the transition to renewable energy by funding innovative projects and research to advance renewable energy technologies.
Amber Electric
Amber Electric is an Australian energy retailer and technology company offering customers access to wholesale electricity prices and innovative energy
Team Confer
Team Confer is an array of neutral unbiased agentic workers under human oversight.
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