The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced that the first of 50 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable chargers has been installed in a residential setting under an ARENA-funded project led by Amber Electric.
The project aims to accelerate the adoption of V2G technology, enabling EVs to function as “batteries on wheels,” the agency said in a news release.
According to ARENA, this capability allows EV owners to feed power back into the grid, providing flexibility and potential savings while supporting renewable energy integration.
ARENA Chief Executive Officer Darren Miller said the development represents a major milestone for the nation’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.
“This is a landmark moment for Australia’s energy system. Vehicle-to-grid technology has the potential to transform how we think about and deploy energy storage and grid support,” Miller said.
“By enabling Australians to participate in the energy market through their EVs, we’re unlocking new value streams and building a more resilient, renewable-powered future.”
Amber Electric Co-CEO Chris Thompson said the installation demonstrates how the technology could be implemented at the household level.
“With millions of EVs expected on our roads in just a few years, we have an unprecedented opportunity to turn those batteries on wheels into a viable solution for grid stability and renewable energy storage,” Mr Thompson said.
He added that the technology gives consumers both control and financial benefit. “Through Amber, homeowners maintain complete control while having the potential to make significant savings. When households participate in the energy transition, they should benefit directly – and that’s exactly what this technology delivers.”
ARENA said it has been advancing the potential of V2G in Australia since 2019, supporting several first-of-their-kind studies and demonstration projects.
It noted the Amber Electric initiative forms part of ongoing efforts under ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program to commercialise bidirectional EV charging by 2030, as outlined in the 2025 National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging.
Further information on funding opportunities and program guidelines for V2G projects is available on ARENA’s website.
