Horizon Power has completed a 12-month trial in Exmouth that tested two-way electric vehicle charging technology, with the Western Australian Government confirming the project as a step forward in managing future energy needs.
The trial explored Horizon Power’s vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric vehicles to both draw energy from the grid and feed power back into it.
In a news release, the government said the results show the potential for EVs to act as mobile energy storage systems, supporting households, reducing bills, and helping maintain grid stability.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the findings were an important milestone in the state’s energy transition.
“The success of this regional trial in Exmouth is an important milestone in our clean energy transition and in testing the technology that could make two-way charging a possibility in Western Australia,” she said.
Horizon Power used its Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) to balance energy flows during the trial. DERMS integrated data from solar panels, EVs, and weather forecasts to manage supply and demand.
The system is already used to ease grid capacity pressures, allowing more households in regional areas to install rooftop solar.
According to the government, the trial was the first of its kind in the state and forms part of the Cook Government’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan.
It partnered with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and WA Country Health Service, which were each provided with a V2G-compatible Nissan Leaf and charging equipment.
Sanderson said the trial highlighted the versatility of EVs in supporting the grid and households alike. “Electric vehicle batteries are powerful. As well as helping to stabilise the grid they have the capacity to power homes and reduce energy bills,” she said.
The government said Horizon Power will use the results to guide the development of new customer products that make use of EV energy storage.
These products could include ways for customers to power their homes or even earn income by supplying energy back to the network.
Sanderson said the trial established a foundation for future applications. “The success of this trial sets a strong foundation for EVs to be integrated into our power systems,” she said.
