Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 6, Horizon Power, a regional energy provider in Western Australia, has completed a 12-month trial in Exmouth, demonstrating the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology to stabilize the electricity grid. The trial explored how electric vehicles (EVs) can manage two-way energy flow, charging from and discharging to the grid, to power homes, reduce energy costs, and enhance grid reliability.

Horizon Power’s Exmouth V2G Trial partners. From left: former Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ivy Barrett; Horizon Power Senior Project Manager, Michael Bauer; Horizon Power Senior DER Technologies Engineer, Rhys Carey; Shire of Exmouth representative, Robert Koelbel.

Utilizing Horizon Power’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), the trial integrated data from power systems, connected solar, EVs, and weather forecasts to balance grid stability with customer needs. DERMS, already used to ease grid capacity constraints for rooftop solar, proved effective in managing EV charging and discharging, paving the way for scalable EV integration.

Krystal Skinner, Acting CEO of Horizon Power, stated: “The V2G trial is a major step forward in the utility’s customer-led decarbonisation journey. It enhances our understanding of how energy flow from EVs can be incorporated into our microgrids, especially in regional and remote towns.” She added: “This trial is a shining example of our commitment to innovation and collaboration with our regions, supporting a resilient, scalable energy future.”

Western Australian Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “The findings confirmed for Horizon Power that its technology can manage EV charging and discharging intelligently, helping it to keep the grid stable while paving the way for flexible, customer-led energy products. The success of this trial sets a strong foundation for EVs to be integrated into our power systems.”

The trial, part of the Western Australian Government’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan, involved partnerships with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and WA Country Health Service. Each partner received a V2G-compatible Nissan Leaf EV and smart-charging equipment. Amanda Willmott, Acting Director of the Gascoyne Development Commission, said: “For small communities like this to be doing something so progressive, that’s incredible.”

Matthew Niikkula, Shire of Exmouth President, stated: “The integration of EV energy flow into microgrids marks a forward-thinking step toward smarter, more sustainable energy systems. The Shire of Exmouth has a strong commitment to innovation in our regional community, and this trial paves the way towards a more environmentally sustainable energy future.”

The trial’s success supports the development of customer-focused energy products, enabling EV owners to power homes or feed energy back to the grid, enhancing economic and environmental benefits in regional Western Australia.