Australia’s largest electricity distributor, Ausgrid, has connected its first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system to the New South Wales power network, enabling electric vehicles to discharge power back to the grid in a bid to increase grid flexibility and open new revenue opportunities for drivers.
The V2G integration marks a new phase in electric vehicle usage, with EVs no longer limited to energy consumption but also acting as mobile energy storage units. The system enables electricity to be returned to the grid during peak demand periods, helping to reduce pressure on existing infrastructure and potentially delaying the need for expensive upgrades.
“This is a game-changer and we are excited to see how this technology will enable our customers to take a more active role in the energy ecosystem,” said Fatima Bazzi, Head of Customer Connections at Ausgrid, according to Utility magazine.
The new system is accessible to approximately 1.7 million homes across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley, though the current number of compatible EVs remains limited. Eligible customers will be able to recharge at off-peak rates and export excess power back to the grid, effectively turning their EVs into income-generating assets.
The V2G setup leverages the substantial storage potential of EV batteries, which Ausgrid notes are roughly six times the capacity of a standard home battery. The distributor said it is also exploring the inclusion of V2G compatibility in future kerbside chargers to further expand access to the technology.
Ausgrid said the rollout reflects its broader efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient electricity system. “We’ve done the foundational work to understand how to integrate this V2G technology safely and effectively and our customers can now begin to benefit,” said Rob Amphlett Lewis, Group Executive for Distributed Services at Ausgrid.
The company added that it will continue to collaborate with regulators and industry stakeholders to promote V2G deployment, aiming to help more users participate in the energy market while supporting the stability of the grid.
Source: utilitymagazine.com.au, linkedin.com, ausgrid.com.au