TransnetBW and Octopus Energy successfully trial OctoFlexBW for EV to grid flexibility
Image courtesy TransnetBW
German TSO TransnetBW and Octopus Energy have announced a successful first phase of their pilot project OctoFlexBW, which utilises the flexibility of EVs for grid stabilisation.
Through OctoFlexBW, the charging of Octopus customers’ EVs is intelligently controlled to avoid grid congestion in Baden-Württemberg and throughout Germany.
This is known as ‘Redispatch 3.0,’ with the goal of expanding the existing cost-based redispatch regime in Germany with a market-based component for decentralised micro-flexibility.
A successful first phase
The first phase of the project focused primarily on seamless communication between the IT platforms – TransnetBW’s DA/RE (data exchange/Redispatch) and Octopus Energy’s Kraken – using a pool of approximately 100 EVs. DA/RE is the first digital platform for the grid operator-wide implementation of Redispatch 2.0, including balancing.
TransnetBW’s system management uses DA/RE to provide signals in the event of grid congestion, which Kraken translates into an intelligent charging strategy and uses to coordinate the connected electric vehicles.
According to TransnetBW, the data exchange according to Redispatch 2.0 standards was fully integrated, automated, and scalable, making it a complete success.
Furthermore, the evaluated data from OctoFlexBW demonstrates that the charging process control functions reliably and can provide flexibility in a predictable manner with a high level of performance. Thus, a planned-value-based process was successfully implemented in the first project phase. As with conventional power plants, Octopus Energy creates target schedules for the vehicle pool, including flexibility potential, which TransnetBW can then access specifically in the event of redispatch.
The vehicle participation rate in the pilot test was 100%, as every vehicle was able to provide the requested flexibility when needed, with an average of about one-third of the vehicles required per call. More than 90% of these responded as planned and provided the requested flexibility.
The feedback from participating e-mobility users was consistently positive, as they were not impacted by the control of their consumption, benefiting from lower electricity prices by postponing the charging process in combination with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff.
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OctoFlexBW phase two
With the success of the first phase, OctoFlexBW is now entering its next phase, a balancing approach that considers all energy-related processes.
At the same time, significantly more electric vehicles will be included – the goal is 1,500 or more.
TransnetBW and Octopus Energy will use the data obtained to improve processes such as baselining and monitoring, as well as their forecasts. Furthermore, the project partners will gain valuable insights into the potential of micro-flexibility measures and their acceptance among end customers.
Commenting in a release was Bastian Gierull, chief executive officer of Octopus Energy Germany: “Micro-flexibility solutions have enormous potential. Together with TransnetBW as an innovative partner, we are already demonstrating how electromobility can be intelligently integrated into the grid.
“The result is a win-win-win situation for end customers, the grids, and the energy transition. At the same time, OctoFlexBW is also a clear call to action for politicians: Our innovative projects are already in the starting blocks – we are ready to deliver solutions for a more affordable and efficient energy system. But to achieve this, the next government must refocus on the digitalisation of the energy system and the rollout of smart meters, thus setting the framework for innovation.”
Added Dr Werner Götz, CEO of TransnetBW: “The experience from the OctoFlexBW project shows that electric vehicles are a reliable source of decentralized flexibility, and acceptance among e-mobility users is high.
“The digital communication between TransnetBW and Octopus works smoothly. When grid utilisation is high, we request binding capacity from Octopus Energy, whereupon Octopus shifts the charging processes of electric vehicles in a way that promotes grid stability and customers benefit from lower prices without sacrificing convenience.
“We are demonstrating that electric vehicles can play an important role in system stability. Now we need the appropriate legal and regulatory framework for scaling. Therefore, I consider it a positive signal that the topic of developing flexibility is being given high priority in the coalition negotiations in Berlin.”
Going forward, says TransnetBW in a release, a regulatory framework for the recognition of call-off costs for TSOs will be essential to leverage the potential of household-related flexibility for the overall system and thus reduce network charges in the future.
