Newark, Delaware Tests Vehicle-to-Grid Technology

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=54612

Earlier this month, the City of Newark, Delaware became the first electric utility in the U.S. to use a car to store and provide power for the local electric grid.

The vehicle, which runs on electricity alone, is specifically designed to store energy and improve grid reliability. University of Delaware researchers helped develop the concept, called Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). With the City of Newark's approval, the UD team is now conducting V2G testing at two outlets within the City's service territory.

Cities including San Francisco and Austin, TX have also considered the idea, but Newark, with a population of 30,000, is the first to officially put it into action.

University of Delaware Associate Professor of Marine Policy Willett Kempton (who owns the electric car in these pictures — a specially outfitted standard Scion xB) explained how the technology benefits the grid operator. Currently, there is no energy storage built into the electric grid system, meaning that electricity usage and electricity generation must be simultaneous. As fluctuating renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, become a larger fraction of our electric generation, energy storage will help grid operators smooth power output fluctuations.

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