Context: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have initiated a pilot project to explore the implementation of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology across the State.

Meaning of the context: This collaboration aims to assess the feasibility of integrating Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the State’s power grid.

Learning zone:

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to act as decentralized energy storage units by supplying stored electricity back to the power grid, enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration.
• V2G technology enables bidirectional energy flow—EVs not only consume power (charging) but can also supply stored power back to the grid (discharging).

Key Points on V2G Technology

• Mechanism:
  • V2G allows EV batteries to draw power from the grid and return it during peak demand via bi-directional chargers.
  • Requires smart grid infrastructure and real-time grid management, to balance charging and discharging.
  • Example: EVs charge during low-demand periods (e.g., daytime with solar surplus in Kerala) and discharge during high-demand periods (e.g., nighttime).
• Benefits: Grid Stability: EVs act as distributed storage, reducing grid overload and blackout risks.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Stores excess solar/wind energy, supporting India’s 500 GW renewable target by 2030.
• Emission Reduction: Promotes cleaner grids, aligning with India’s net-zero goal by 2070, reducing 1.24 million annual pollution-related deaths.
• Cost Savings: EV owners earn revenue by selling power, while utilities avoid costly external purchases.

Source : The Hindu