- Veolia innovates V2G technology with electric waste collection trucks.
- The goal is to electrify 1,800 vehicles by 2040, injecting 200 MW daily for energy security.
- Successful trial highlights EV potential for grid balance and sustainability.
Veolia pioneers V2G innovation with electric waste collection trucks
Veolia, the UK’s leading waste collection fleet operator, has marked a significant breakthrough in the country’s energy landscape. The company recently unveiled a pioneering vehicle-to-grid (V2G) innovation. They’re turning waste collection trucks into dynamic energy sources to power UK homes.
Veolia will electrify its entire fleet of 1,800 Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV) by 2040. This strategic move aims to contribute approximately 200 MW of flexible power capacity to the grid daily. That amount is equivalent to meeting the evening peak energy demand of over 150,000 households, supporting the nation’s energy security.
The UK’s electricity demand will double by 2050, and the government is aiming to decarbonise the National Grid by 2035. Veolia’s innovative approach is a massive step in the right direction. The company will leverage the substantial batteries in waste collection vehicles; six times larger than those found in typical EVs. These vehicles are strategically parked during the National Grid’s peak energy consumption times, making them well-suited for V2G applications.
Following the successful completion of the initial trial phase, during which two specially designed bi-directional vehicles charged and discharged 110 KW of energy, Veolia is poised to expand the trial. The next phase involves testing the technology on the streets, utilizing Westminster council collection vehicles to pilot this innovative energy solution.
In line with sustainability goals, Veolia aims to maximise the use of local decarbonising energy generated from its waste-to-energy plants. This includes the Landmann Way vehicle depot in North London, powered by low-carbon electricity from the SELCHP plant, creating a closed-loop system.
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, commented:
“We need to innovate in local decarbonizing energy and transform our traditional approaches to take advantage of untapped sources. This requires a change of mindset and a collective willingness to rethink the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. The success of the V2G demonstration illustrates this perfectly. By enabling electric vehicles to become active players in the power grid, we are harnessing their potential to balance energy supply and demand, reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy”.
Veolia has collaborated with industry players, including electric vehicle charger manufacturer Turbo Power Systems (TPS), vehicle repower experts Magnetic Systems Technology (Magtec), and EV charge point management software provider Fuuse, with support from technology provider Advantics, to advance the V2G project.
Gavin Graveson, Senior Executive Vice President Veolia Northern Europe Zone said:
“Flexibility is the key to super-charging the UK’s energy security and the transition to a smarter and more sustainable market. We have to adapt to increasing energy demand and adopt smarter energy systems to bring resilient, dependable and low carbon energy to our homes and businesses. Flexibility innovations like this one have the potential to revolutionise the way we manage our energy usage and represent a huge opportunity to cut costs and carbon”.
