30 Jun 2023
NIE Networks latest innovation project has now gone out for procurement.
The Northern Ireland Intelligent EV Charging (NIEV) project is exploring ways to harness flexibility from EV charging in NI considering the needs of drivers and stakeholders across the energy system.
In a system which combines the needs of different energy stakeholders, including EV drivers, an intelligent charging system could ensure that lowest cost and least carbon intensive electricity is used to charge EVs, maximising the environmental benefits of a transition to EVs.
Using flexibility with EV charging can make best use of existing network capacity and ensure network assets are managed cost-effectively.
The procurement process will look to appoint suppliers for the following roles:
- Providing a back-office platform to allow smart charging of EVs based on signals (including driver preference, distribution network capacity and wholesale energy price), leading participant recruitment and providing customer support throughout the trial,
- A partner to install new chargers where required and connect existing smart chargers to the back-office system.
The E-Sourcing website has more information for anyone interested.