Role of V2G Technology in Strengthening India’s Power Sector | KSEB-IIT Bombay Pilot

18-04-2025

04:30 AM

1 min read

What’s in Today’s Article?

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), in collaboration with IIT Bombay, has launched a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of integrating Electric Vehicles (EVs) with the State's power grid using Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology.
The project aims to assess how EVs can support the grid during peak demand periods, leveraging EVs as a potential solution to balance the electricity load when solar energy is not accessible.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) refers to technologies that allow Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries to send power back to the grid.
When not in use, EVs can act as decentralized battery storage systems, supporting the power grid via bi-directional chargers.

V2G involves two key processes:
- Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V): Power flows from the grid to charge the EV.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): The EV discharges stored energy back into the grid when needed.

While V2G is the most prominent, EV batteries can also support:
- Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for powering household devices
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) energy transfers between EVs

Demand-Side Management
- Peak Load Reduction: EVs can discharge power during high-demand periods, reducing stress on power plants and lowering energy costs.
- Load Balancing: Charging EVs during off-peak hours helps stabilize electricity demand throughout the day.
Renewable Energy Integration
- Storage for Volatile Renewables: V2G stores surplus solar and wind energy and releases it when needed, mitigating renewable intermittency.
- Grid Balancing: Provides ancillary services like frequency regulation and voltage support for grid reliability.
Grid Flexibility and Resilience
- Backup Power Supply: V2G-enabled EVs can act as emergency power sources during outages.
- Decentralized Storage: EVs offer local energy storage, reducing dependence on centralized plants.
Economic Benefits
- Cost Savings for EV Owners: Users can earn by selling excess energy back to the grid.
- Improved Grid Efficiency: V2G boosts grid reliability and reduces operational costs for utilities.
Additional Advantages
- Smart Charging and Communication: Enables efficient energy flow through intelligent systems.
- Environmental Impact: Supports the use of clean energy, helping reduce carbon emissions.

Growth in Mature EV Markets
- V2G technologies are rapidly advancing in countries with established EV ecosystems, such as the U.S. and Europe.
- EVs are increasingly seen as cost-effective distributed energy storage solutions.
Incentivised Participation
- United Kingdom and The Netherlands: EV owners receive compensation for supplying excess power to the grid during peak demand periods.
- California, USA: EV users are encouraged to contribute to ancillary services, such as grid stability and frequency regulation, with attractive financial incentives.
Decentralised Energy Storage and Emergency Use
- EVs serve as crucial decentralized storage units, offering emergency power during outages and supporting disaster resilience amid increasing climate-related disruptions.

V2G technology in India is still in its infancy. The primary focus has been on expanding EV charging infrastructure rather than enabling power flow back to the grid.

Some DISCOMs have initiated pilot projects for smart charging and V2G integration.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has formed a committee to develop guidelines for reverse charging from EVs to the grid.

The CEA committee identified smart charging as essential to support EV adoption while minimizing stress on the distribution grid.

India's electricity market is not yet equipped for decentralized systems like V2G. Key issues include:
- Variability in renewable energy supply
- Mismatches between electricity generation and demand

To enable large-scale V2G adoption, India must implement regulatory reforms that support bi-directional energy flow and incentivize EV owners.

Q1. What is V2G technology?

Ans. V2G allows Electric Vehicle batteries to send power back to the grid, supporting energy management.

Q2. How does V2G support grid stability?

Ans. V2G helps balance demand and supply by discharging stored energy from EVs during peak hours, reducing grid stress.

Q3. What benefits does V2G offer?

Ans. V2G offers grid flexibility, renewable energy integration, peak load reduction, and economic benefits for EV owners.

Q4. Is V2G technology being adopted globally?

Ans. Yes, countries like the U.K., Netherlands, and the U.S. incentivize EV owners to provide power to the grid.

Q5. What challenges does V2G face in India?

Ans. India faces challenges like market structure issues, renewable energy variability, and the need for regulatory support for V2G.

Source: TH | BL