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

By David Pratt
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.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

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.

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.”

11 November 2025
San Diego, USA
The 2024 Summit included innovative new features including a ‘Crash Course in Battery Asset Management’, Ask-Me-Anything formats and debate-style sessions. 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.

Read Next

May 21, 2025
Installed battery storage capacity in California, US has grown from 771MW in 2019 to more than 15,500MW as of 31 January, 2025.
Premium
May 21, 2025
ESN Premium speaks with Dr. Yinghuang Ji, head of structuring at MN8 Energy, on current challenges and opportunities for growth in the energy storage market.
May 21, 2025
Regulators in Germany are considering two big reforms that could improve the business case for BESS, while developer-operator Green Flexibility has announced its first major project.
May 21, 2025
Commissioning has commenced on the 111MW/285MWh Templers battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia.
May 21, 2025
Delivering on its 2025 election pledge, Australia’s Labor government has announced it will introduce the Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 July 2025.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter