IRENA: Bidirectional electric vehicle charging can support the energy transition

In addition to helping reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, electric vehicles could also play an important role in balancing the power system as part of the energy transition. However, a number of challenges will need to be overcome before this can happen. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reported.

According to IRENA, more than two billion passenger electric vehicles could be on the road worldwide by 2050 as efforts to meet decarbonisation targets continue. However, managing this expected rapid growth and making use of the opportunities it brings will pose a number of challenges for transmission and distribution system operators. Smart electrification strategies will be essential to address these challenges, the agency says.

One such smart strategy is so-called smart bidirectional charging, which would enable electric vehicle batteries to help stabilise transmission and distribution systems.

"Cars are designed to transport people, but for most of their lifetime they are not in use and are parked near homes or workplaces. Most studies show that cars are unused 90 to 95 % of the time. If these vehicles were electric, they could bring significant additional value to their owners and the environment if connected to the power system," IRENA said.