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Nissan gives renewable energy a lift

27th Feb 2018 | Energy

Nissan are working with infrastructure specialist Nuvve and district network operators UK Power Networks and Northern Powergrid in a major ‘vehicle to grid’ demonstrator project.

A thousand vehicle to grid (V2G) smart charging points will be installed as part of the £9.8m e4futures project. The technical and economic characteristics of 2G charging and supply for electric vehicle users and electricity network operators will be analysed as part of the project.

Efficient energy transfer

One of the main aspects to be investigated is how vehicle users’ predictable behaviour patterns can be capitalised on. For example, when cars are parked during working hours could they be programmed to use cheaper electricity (wind or solar) then driven home and plugged in to be used as electricity providers during peak demand hours. Newcastle University and Imperial College London are to be involved in research and analysis support for the project.

More than just a car

Francisco Carranza, managing director of Nissan Energy, said: “We now look at our cars as so much more than products which simply move people from A to B – they are an intrinsic part of the way we consume, share, and generate energy. This will have a fundamental impact on the shift from fossil fuels to renewables.

“Our electric vehicles can be plugged into the grid and support the transmission and distribution companies in making the UK grid more sustainable and more stable. The increase of electric vehicles penetration, the introduction of more and more distributed generation and storage, and the overall increase in renewable energy penetration should be done smartly.”

Energy expert analysis

“The continuing and rapid development of the electric vehicle sector in the UK is an important part of our energy strategy. If smart charging can help electric vehicles provide electricity at peak times, and charging over lower demand periods can be demonstrated, then this could feed into the offer to consumers. Hopefully this can help increase uptake by the domestic electric vehicle market.” Alastair Fells MEI, Incorporated Eng, PG Dip Fuel Tech, BSc Hons

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