Virtual power plant to test if electric vehicle batteries can deliver frequency reserve

By David Pratt
September 13, 2018
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Image: Getty.

Virtual power plant (VPP) operator Next Kraftwerke and electric vehicle (EV) aggregator and smart charging platform provider Jedlix has launched a trial to test if EV batteries can be used to provide automatic frequency reserve.

The international pilot to deliver secondary control reserve, also known as automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR), is being run through TenneT, the transmission system operator for the Netherlands and a large part of Germany.

The two-year project will begin in early 2019 when the pair will provide aFRR through Jedlix’s EV fleet and smart charging solution, while Next Kraftwerke will provide the interface to TenneT and market the aggregated energy in reserve control auctions.

By linking the fleet to Next Kraftwerke’s remote control unit, Next Box, real-time data exchange will be possible while ‘setpoints’ can be received by the Jedlix fleet that changes the EVs’ power consumption.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Ruben Benders, chief executive of Jedlix, said: “We are thrilled to have this cooperation with Next Kraftwerke, which has the potential to establish the largest VPP for EVs in Europe and beyond.”

During the trial, Jedlix will be able to combine the user preferences, car data, and charging station information of those taking part for a continuous forecast of the available capacity which will be used by Next Kraftwerke in the bidding process.

By taking part in the pilot, all EV drivers can get rewarded for making the car’s flexibility available.

Paul Kreutzkamp, chief executive of Next Kraftwerke Belgium, said: “This pilot will bring essential innovation in the way electrical systems connected in private homes can contribute to TenneT’s most demanding ancillary services.

“We are very happy to be starting this transition and bringing new sources of income to households together with Jedlix, which has set itself apart when it comes to smart charging of electric vehicles.”

15 September 2026
San Diego, USA
You can expect to meet and network with all the key industry players again in 2025 from major US asset owners, operators, RTOs and ISOs, optimizers, software and analytics providers, technical consultancies, O&M technology providers and more.
15 September 2026
Berlin, Germany
Launching September 2026 in Berlin, Energy Storage Summit Germany is a new standalone event dedicated to Germany’s energy storage market. Bringing together investors, developers, policymakers, TSOs, manufacturers and optimisation specialists, the Summit explores the regulatory shifts, revenue models, financing strategies and technology innovations shaping large-scale deployment. With Germany targeting 80% renewables by 2030, it offers a focused platform to connect with the decision-makers driving the Energiewende and the future of utility-scale storage.

Read Next

April 17, 2026
Hithium has signed a formal investment commitment to establish a manufacturing facility in Spain’s Navarre region.
April 17, 2026
Akaysha Energy has entered into a deal with Copenhagen Energy to advance “mega-scale” battery energy storage projects in Germany.
April 16, 2026
Neoen Australia has referred its 3,200MWh Bondo wind-plus-storage project for federal environmental assessment.
April 16, 2026
Alinta Energy has commenced main construction works on its 1,000MWh Stage 1 of its Reeves Plains BESS in South Australia.
Premium
April 15, 2026
Fluence’s chief growth officer, Jeff Monday, and Australia strategy lead, Sam Markham, discuss hyperscale opportunities, grid-forming evolution, and the company’s high-density Smartstack deployment plans.