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The Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) have awarded a groundbreaking grant to a consortium led by Singapore-based mobility solutions developer, as part of the EMA-SIT Exploiting Distributed Generation (EDGE) programme.
The goal is to develop and test Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology that can provide grid services. This initiative marks the largest V2G test-bed in Singapore, involving 15 commercial vans and 10 V2G-enabled electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
V2G technology empowers electric vehicles to become dynamic assets by utilising the electricity stored in their batteries. It allows for not only flexible EV charging in response to grid conditions but also the ability to supply electricity back to the grid when necessary. This bidirectional flow of electricity offers a promising solution to balance electricity demand and supply, thereby potentially alleviating supply tightness and enhancing the stability of the power system.
With sectors like the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, high-tech farming, and vehicle electrification on the rise, Singapore anticipates a compound annual growth rate of up to 6.5% in system peak demand from 2023 to 2028. V2G technology could play a crucial role in managing this increasing peak electricity demand.
Beginning in November 2023, a pilot project to test V2G technology in the Punggol region will be launched. It will develop a fleet management system to monitor the status of EVs and optimise fleet schedules, allowing EVs to effectively provide grid services. The outcomes of this test-bed will provide valuable insights into the technological, commercial, and regulatory feasibility of V2G implementation in Singapore.
“With its ability to facilitate bidirectional transfer of electricity, V2G technology has untapped potential that can support the grid in new ways,” said Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of EMA. If successful, the test-bed will enable Singapore to increase the use of innovative technologies to intelligently manage electricity demand and unlock the potential of large-scale V2G adoption in the future.
The EDGE programme, launched in 2019 with a S$20 million budget by EMA and SIT, concentrates on developing innovative power engineering projects and building capabilities that support Singapore’s transition to a more sustainable future.
It enables companies and researchers from all Institutes of Higher Learning to participate in grant calls and create new technologies and capabilities to build a more sustainable, reliable, and resilient energy system.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns perfectly with Singapore’s broader vision of transitioning into a digital economy. The digital economy, characterised by a growing reliance on technology and data-driven solutions, is power-hungry. Ensuring a reliable and stable energy supply is crucial to support the expanding digital ecosystem. V2G technology can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge.
With the potential to turn EVs into grid-supporting assets, V2G technology represents a win-win situation. EV owners can contribute to grid stability and potentially benefit from this service, while the grid gains an additional source of flexibility. Besides, by harnessing the capabilities of V2G, Singapore can further its commitment to sustainability and clean energy, a key aspect of a thriving digital economy.
EMA cited that the development of a robust V2G infrastructure in Singapore signifies a significant step toward a sustainable and resilient energy system. By leveraging electric vehicles as grid assets, Singapore can better manage the growing energy demands of the digital economy and set a precedent for smart, eco-friendly solutions in the global tech landscape.
