The grid benefits of vehicle-to-grid in Norway and Denmark: An analysis of home- and public parking potentials

Abstract

This study provides an analysis of the potential benefits of bi-directional charging of electric vehicles (V2G) and its implications for the energy sector using the Balmorel energy system model. We compare results from V2G scenarios to those of smart charging scenarios, specifically focusing on the target year 2040. The study explores specific cases: large-scale adoption of V2G for home charging and small-scale adoption at public airport parking lots. Two market regions, Norway and Denmark, are in focus and shed light on how different energy mixes affect the results. Findings show that large-scale V2G adoption has the potential to significantly affect prices in the analyzed price regions. V2G helps decrease price volatility, reduce peak and valley electricity prices, reduce renewable curtailment, and reduce the cost of operation in the energy system. The spread between charging and discharging prices is highest in the case of small-scale adoption and in regions with less inherent power system flexibility. Large-scale adoption leads to diminishing V2G returns. Also, more inherent power system flexibility competes with V2G. In the flexible Norwegian price regions, V2G may increase average electricity prices, leading to a tradeoff between societal and consumer welfare.