Category: Innovation and collaboration (Energy) - generation, transmission, distribution, retail, energy products and services

Flinders University is a leading international university in Australia with a record of excellence and innovation in teaching, and a commitment to sustainability, decarbonisation and public engagement.

Project: Flinders University vehicle-to-grid (V2G) initiative

Premier's Awards category: Innovation and collaboration - Energy

Flinders University has implemented a collaborative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) initiative as part of its commitment to sustainability, decarbonisation and public engagement. It involves installing and maintaining 10 V2G chargers for a growing electric vehicle fleet and 15 public smart chargers. V2G compatible fleet cars are powered by 100% renewable electricity generated by ENGIE's 119MW Willogoleche South Australian wind farm and supplemented by university campus solar power systems.

The concept behind V2G is to charge the cars with 100% renewable energy during times of low campus demand using the car battery as an energy reservoir then, via bi-directional technology, discharge energy to help power the campus during times of high demand. This technology will help to reduce emissions, foster innovation and provide opportunities for research and learning at scale.

This initiative holds the potential to stimulate regulatory changes in Australia and the adoption of novel energy storage technologies, nationally and internationally. As a case study it transcends the academic sector, influencing policy across government and business. The Flinders V2G initiative will be a demonstration site for researchers, educators and partners to work together on transitioning South Australia towards a renewable energy future.

As part of the project an additional 15 smart chargers will be installed prior to the end of 2023, further bolstering our commitment to a greener tomorrow and expanding the trial to the public with charging aligned to renewable generation and low-cost electricity.

This project is a collaboration between the South Australian Government, ENGIE, Wallbox, Sunverge, Nissan, and Jet Charge.

The initiative was designed to integrate EV charging and discharging into ENGIE's South Australian Virtual Power Plant.

Awards history

• Won the Triple E SDG Award in global recognition of efforts towards the quest for entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education
• Shortlisted for the Green Gown Award in recognition of exception sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges

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