[Answered] Examine the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology to transform India’s power sector. Analyze the benefits and challenges associated with its implementation, and discuss the policy measures and infrastructure developments required to effectively integrate V2G into the existing energy grid.

Introduction

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology enables bidirectional power flow between Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the power grid. It allows EVs to act not just as electricity consumers but also as distributed energy storage units, feeding electricity back to the grid when required. As India targets Net Zero emissions by 2070 and aims for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, V2G presents a transformative opportunity in achieving energy resilience and decarbonization.

Potential of V2G to Transform India’s Power Sector

1. Grid Balancing and Peak Load Management: EVs can discharge power during peak demand (e.g., evening hours), reducing stress on the grid. Kerala’s KSEB-IIT Bombay pilot assesses such feasibility amid rising EV adoption and rooftop solar.
2. Facilitating Renewable Energy (RE) Integration: V2G can store excess solar power during the day and discharge it at night, supporting RE smoothing and mitigating intermittency.
3. Decentralized Energy Storage: With widespread EV adoption, vehicles become mobile batteries, enhancing energy security and emergency backup potential (e.g., used in California during blackouts).
4. Economic Incentives for EV Owners: Through Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs and ancillary service markets, EV users can earn by supplying electricity during high-demand periods (e.g., U.K., Netherlands models).

Key Challenges in Implementation

1. Regulatory Gaps: India’s electricity market lacks frameworks for bi-directional power flow and decentralized energy trade.
2. Infrastructural Limitations: Bi-directional chargers are scarce; most EVs and chargers support only unidirectional flow.
3. Grid Readiness: DISCOMs are ill-equipped for smart demand response and real-time energy transactions.
4. Battery Degradation Concerns: Frequent charge-discharge cycles can reduce EV battery life.
5. RE-EV Synchronization Issues: EVs often charge at night, while solar generation peaks during the day.

Policy Measures and Infrastructure Needs

1. Regulatory Reforms: Update Electricity Act to support reverse power flow and decentralized energy storage participation.
2. Pilot Programs: Scale successful pilots like KSEB’s to other high-EV adoption states (Delhi, Maharashtra).
3. Smart Infrastructure: Invest in smart meters, dynamic pricing, and AI-driven grid management.
4. Consumer Incentives: Offer subsidies for V2G-compatible chargers, promote ToU benefits.
5. Domestic Manufacturing: Promote indigenous production of bi-directional EVSEs and compatible EVs under PLI scheme.

Conclusion

V2G holds transformative potential for India’s power sector by enhancing grid flexibility, enabling clean energy integration, and empowering consumers. With robust policy support, smart infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration, V2G can become a cornerstone of India’s energy transition and e-mobility revolution.