Big six supplier EDF has awarded a contract to green technology company Nuvve to install up to 1,500 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers in the UK.
The devices will be offered to EDF’s business customers and will also be used as the energy company’s own sites to provide up to 15 megawatts of additional energy storage capacity, the equivalent of the energy required to power 4,000 homes.
The stored electricity will be made available for sale on the energy markets or for supporting grid flexibility at times of peak energy use.
Beatrice Bigois, managing director of customers at EDF, said: “With 55 per cent of new vehicles coming on to the road through businesses, they will play a key role in the transition to electric transport.
“Through this partnership with Nuvve, we are investing in smart technologies that will help our business customers electrify their fleets in a cost-effective way and support the UK’s ambition for clean growth.”
Gregory Poilasne, co-founder and chief executive of Nuvve, said: “Nuvve is proud to be working with EDF Energy to commercialise our V2G charging technology in the UK.
“The UK is ahead of the game when it comes to integrating wind and solar on the electric grid and V2G is the perfect way to supplement these efforts.”
Energy and clean growth minister Claire Perry said: “Thanks to government investment, we are a world leader in vehicle-to-grid technology which can help balance our energy needs and bring about a smarter, more flexible energy system as part of our modern Industrial Strategy.
“These 1,500 electric chargers will provide much needed green infrastructure for businesses as they seize the opportunities of the electric vehicle revolution, reducing running costs, improving air quality and unlocking the capability to store energy which can be transmitted back into the grid when it’s needed most.”
A recent report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that, in August this year, sales of EVs were up 89 per cent on last year. National Grid estimate that there will be up to 11 million on the road by 2030.
More than 91,000 EVs have been registered since the beginning of 2018, giving them a market share for the year-to-date of 5.8 per cent. At the same point in 2017, EV sales stood at 71,000, equating to a market share of 4.4 per cent.