In short, the project aims to allow depots to adjust their load demand in response to power grid conditions. For example, carrying capacity could be reduced when electricity demand is high and increased when energy from renewable sources (such as wind) is abundant. By making this flexibility available to the electricity system, fleet operators could reduce their energy costs and potentially earn additional revenue, while helping to integrate more renewable electricity into Ireland’s grid.
The pilot project covers three sites in Cork and Galway operated by postal carrier An Post and one in Dublin operated by DHL Express. Together, they encompass a fleet of 211 electric vehicles and 181 charging points, with up to 500 kW of flexible electrical demand. The initiative also brings together VIOTAS, Mitsui Ireland, ESB Smart Energy Services, eStation and The Mobility House Solutions. The latter two companies will supply and install charging and energy management systems, while VIOTAS will allow depots to participate in EirGrid’s electricity flexibility markets.
According to the partners, the system used for the pilot will coordinate charging programs based on fleet operational requirements and signals from the electrical system. Vehicles still need to be charged in time for their next trips, but charging can be moved from periods of high grid demand to times when renewable electricity is most abundant.
Shane Mullarkey, business development at Mitsui Ireland, explained: “For major logistics fleet operators such as An Post and DHL, the clear focus remains on fleet decarbonisation and day-to-day operational efficiency. However, this pilot demonstrates the additional value that large commercial electric vehicle fleets can offer to support network flexibility.
“EV fleets in Ireland serve as a powerful distributed battery resource. Through smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies, these fleets can shift load to periods of abundant renewable generation, reducing peak demand on the grid and providing essential flexibility and balancing services.”
einpresswire.com
