Kerala Electricity Board Partners with IIT-Bombay for Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot

Fast Summary

• The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to pilot vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in Kerala’s power utility sector.
• V2G technology facilitates bidirectional electricity flow between electric vehicles (EVs) and the grid, enabling EV batteries to supply energy back to the grid during peak demand hours.
• The project will be executed in two phases:

1. Phase 1: A detailed feasibility study covering technical and regulatory aspects will be conducted.
2. Phase 2: A pilot implementation using KSEB’s distribution network.

• Expected outcomes include peak-hour energy savings, frequency regulation, enhanced rooftop solar integration, and improved demand response mechanisms.
• The MoU was signed by Zakir Hussain Rather (Associate Professor, IIT Bombay) and Asha P.I. (Chief Engineer for Renewable Energy & Energy Savings at KSEB), at a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram presided over by Sajeev G., Director of Generation for KSEB.
• Detailed discussions were held between stakeholders including KSEB Chairman Mir Mohammed Ali regarding the concept.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The collaboration between KSEB and IIT bombay signals India’s growing focus on leveraging advanced technologies like vehicle-to-grid systems for augmenting its power infrastructure. By enabling a bidirectional flow of energy from EV batteries to the grid during peak consumption periods, V2G technology offers significant potential advantages such as optimized electricity usage patterns, greater incorporation of renewable sources like rooftop solar panels, and enhanced system reliability. If successful, this project could pave the way for similar initiatives across other states.The phased approach-beginning with careful feasibility studies-is prudent given that V2G technology is still evolving globally; ensuring regulatory preparedness alongside technical suitability will be key determinants of success. Moreover, integrating distributed resources from EVs can help India address challenges linked to rising energy demands while supporting sustainable mobility initiatives under its green transition agenda.

This partnership aligns with kerala’s proactive stance on adopting innovative solutions within its power sector-a direction that has implications not only for improving state-level capacity but also serving as a model framework nationally if proven effective after implementation.

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