Vehicle to Grid: Mobile power plants on the way

Climate and environmental protection are the factors which the majority of people spontaneously associate with the use of electric cars. The climate friendliness of an electric vehicle is inseparably linked to the electricity's source. An electric car which obtains its energy from electricity generated by wind power farms can actually be operated entirely without CO₂ emissions.

However, electricity production using renewable sources such as wind is subject to weather-related fluctuations. The result: In the case of strong wind and low current electricity consumption, the renewable energy cannot be used optimally. In contrast, high electricity demand, in which wind energy would be required, sometimes occurs during windless phases.

In the future, electric vehicles may help to compensate these fluctuations. They store renewable energy when it occurs and release it when it is required. They therefore undertake tasks which are already being performed by pumped-storage power plants and help to use the anticipated, higher feed-in capacity sensibly. Power plants are therefore relieved and are able to operate at optimal efficiency. Nonetheless, individual mobility will not suffer. Thanks to innovative solutions which RWE is currently developing in co-operation with international partners from the fields of science and industry, the vehicle will always remain ready for use during this process. A defined minimum energy volume will enable flexible use at any time.