Network wins innovation award for vehicle-to-grid technology trials

Essential Energy, the operator of the local electricity network in 95 per cent of regional NSW, has won two innovation awards, including for the completion of its vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology trial.

The industry innovation award was made in recognition of the work that Essential Energy conducte, in partnership with CSIRO, V2G technology supplier Sigenergy and car supplier AusEV on a V2G technology trial and its imminent market readiness.

The V2G trial took place in late 2024 and early 2025 at Essential’s Innovation Hub in Port Macquarie using a simulated home environment and a Ford F-150 from AusEV with a combined charging system (CCS2) DC bi-directional charger and a SigenStor energy storage system from Sigenergy.

The trial also included a Nissan Leaf using the soon to be outdated CHAdeMO charging technology.

It is expected that V2G technology – which enables electric vehicle (EV) owners to use their vehicles as ‘batteries on wheels’ – will be a major feature to drive future EV adoption. Essential Energy engineers have also been using Sigenergy V2G technology with their own EVs, confirming that the technology works and is ready to go.

“V2G will give customers more control over their energy use and unlock new value from their investments,” said Brad Thomas, the head of asset management and engineering at Essential Energy.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in making V2G a practical, scalable solution for customers across regional, rural and remote New South Wales.”

A next phase of the initiative between Essential Energy and CSIRO will now focus on making V2G technology easier for customers to use while also expanding its potential benefits.

The two organisations extended their partnership for an additional five years and will now aim to expand the laboratory’s capabilities; explore deployment in real-world household, community, and network scenarios; improve control systems and standards; and test a wider array of EVs and charging hardware.

It is also looking for support from car and charger manufacturers.

“With more partners, we can ensure that V2G solutions are robust, cost-effective, and reliably integrated into homes and the grid,” said Dr Sam Behrens, senior research engineer at CSIRO. “We see enormous opportunity ahead, not just for EV owners, but for the broader energy sector and communities.”

Electrical engineer Hadi Lomei also won in the Individual Contribution category at the ENA awards last week for his contribution and leadership in advancing Essential Energy’s renewable energy connection processes.