PG&E tests vehicle-to-grid technology with Nissan EVs in California

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE: PCG), Nissan, Fermata Energy, and the Schatz Energy Research Center have implemented a vehicle-to-grid demonstration project at the Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid in McKinleyville, California.

The project integrates two 2020-21 Nissan LEAF vehicles with bidirectional charging stations using Fermata Energy's Vehicle-to-Everything optimization platform. The system allows the electric vehicles to both charge from and discharge power back to the microgrid.

Humboldt County Aviation Division purchased one 2021 Nissan LEAF for the pilot, while Nissan provided a second 2020 model under an agreement with Humboldt County. The vehicles serve dual purposes as county fleet vehicles and energy storage resources when not in use.

The bidirectional charging system enables the vehicles to participate in California's Emergency Load Reduction Program, generating revenue by sending electricity back to the grid during periods of stress. When the microgrid operates independently from the main grid, the vehicles can inject power to prevent battery depletion or absorb excess solar energy.

"Integrating bidirectional chargers and EVs at the Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid is an innovative solution that will expand the capacity of the site," said Mike Delaney, Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at PG&E.

The Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid is jointly operated by PG&E and the Redwood Coast Energy Authority. The Schatz Energy Research Center developed advanced microgrid control functionality that allows the electric vehicles to balance solar energy and battery energy storage in real time.

PG&E operates additional vehicle-to-grid pilot projects for residential and commercial customers, offering financial incentives for participation. The utility provides upfront incentives along with performance-based incentives and enrollment in the Emergency Load Reduction Program.

The project partners expect the demonstration to provide insights for designing grid architectures supporting California's renewable energy goals of 60% renewable by 2030 and 100% renewable by 2045.

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