Companies such as EDP are already advancing in research on solutions not only to increase the capacity for generating clean energy but also to find ways to manage the growing demand resulting from the rise in electric vehicles (EVs).
EDP Portugal tells Mobility Portal Europe: “Decarbonising the electricity system requires accelerating the transition to renewable energy and a decentralised grid system.”
This is where bidirectional charging could play a crucial role.
The company’s approach with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality is to treat the car as an asset that can contribute to the stability of the infrastructure.
Bidirectional chargers not only supply EV batteries but also discharge energy back into the grid, especially during periods of high demand.
This transforms EVs into small mobile energy storage stations, which can be used to balance the grid during critical times.
Additionally, they can support buildings during peak consumption and facilitate the integration of decentralised renewable sources.
This is complemented by key components such as integration with energy storage systems and the effective management of EV charging flexibility.
EDP’s commitment to V2G is not merely a vision for the future but a tangible reality in their current projects.
A clear example is their collaboration with Petroprix in Spain.
Together, they have implemented ultra-fast charging points equipped with batteries that are recharged when the chargers are not in use.
This enables the rapid “refueling” of electric vehicles even when the grid cannot supply the necessary power at that moment.
These systems not only alleviate pressure on the energy infrastructure but also promote the integration of renewable energy by allowing stored capacity to be used when most needed.
However, the effective implementation of V2G technology in Portugal largely depends on the evolution of the regulatory framework.
It must also comply with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) III, two European policies aimed at promoting the development of these functionalities.
In this context, EDP emphasises: “A favourable regulatory framework is crucial to addressing these challenges and ensuring the effective implementation of solutions.”
They add: “It is also imperative to keep pace with innovation and technology, fundamental elements of the ecosystem in the development of electric mobility in Portugal and globally.”
How does EDP excel in this regard?
Among other aspects, by exploring smart charging solutions to mitigate the power limitations of the electrical grid.
The EDP Charge platform enables effective management of energy consumption during EV charging, balancing loads and improving energy efficiency in buildings and local networks.
This intelligent management is vital for maximising the use of existing infrastructure and reducing the need for additional investments in the electrical grid.
EDP’s investment extends beyond public charging points
The company is a pioneer in developing the national public network and is a leading player in this business segment with over 3,300 contracted points, of which 1,900 have already been installed and are operational nationwide.
“These chargers have enabled the covering of more than 200 million kilometres using only electricity and have avoided over 20,000 tonnes of CO2 that would have been emitted by combustion vehicles,” they detail.
Nevertheless, the company also stands out in the private charging sector.
How? With a diverse portfolio of products and services for families and businesses.
“We aim to ensure that the newest buildings are equipped with chargers and that older ones are also part of this transition towards sustainable mobility,” they state.
To this end, EDP recently launched an offer allowing fleet managers to provide integrated charging solutions to employees.
This solution allows workers to “refuel” their EVs at home, on the public network, or at the company through a single application, EDP Charge.
They also continue to excel in this area by developing private networks for companies such as CTT (Correios de Portugal), where more than 500 chargers have been installed at strategic locations.
“In this way, it becomes the largest private network in the country,” they emphasise.
Thus, EDP establishes itself by expanding infrastructure in strategic and high-demand locations, collaborating with supermarkets, hotels, and service stations.
Looking ahead, the firm plans to continue expanding its network both through partnerships with private companies and via public tenders.
It has set ambitious goals for 2024, including accelerating the installation of additional chargers in strategic locations and enhancing charging solutions for homes, buildings, and corporate fleets.
