Storing Renewable Energy in the Netherlands through Electric Vehicles

The Municipality of Utrecht is at the forefront of a groundbreaking research project called 'Robust', which aims to provide the congested Dutch power network with more flexibility. This ambitious project, which also includes the Municipality of Arnhem and several prestigious institutions, is set to revolutionise the way renewable energy is managed and utilised in the Netherlands.

One of the key components of the 'Robust' project is the coupling of car-sharing reservations with bidirectional charging. This innovative approach will see electric vehicles (EVs) not only recharging their batteries but also delivering power back to the grid when necessary. The large-scale application of bidirectional shared cars in a green urban district is a component of the project, with an expected increase of 150 bidirectional shared cars in Utrecht by early 2022.

Delft University of Technology and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences are among the institutions partnering with the Dutch start-up We Drive Solar and Korean conglomerate Hyundai on the 'Robust' project. The scientific validation of the proposed "bi-directional ecosystem" is a crucial part of the project, ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the new technology.

The initial testing of the bi-directional technology will be conducted on Hyundai's Ioniq 5 car, a testament to the company's commitment to sustainable innovation. The project also involves software-mediated control of charging stations and the standardization and embedding of protocols for these recharging stations, which will have bi-directional technology.

The Dutch company We Drive Solar is also partnering with Hyundai to bring a bi-directional solution to PV system owners. This collaboration, announced in mid-April, is part of an effort to make the most of renewable energy sources and increase the overall efficiency of the Dutch electricity grid.

While the specific institutions collaborating with We Drive Solar and Hyundai on the 'Robust' project have not been named in the provided search results, it is clear that the project is attracting a wide range of partners beyond the universities and municipalities mentioned. The Netherlands is already recognised as a leading country in managing strong renewable energy development, and the 'Robust' project is set to further cement the country's reputation in this area.

In Utrecht, the Dutch start-up We Drive Solar and Korean conglomerate Hyundai are planning to deploy 500 EV recharging stations, a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The 'Robust' research project, with its focus on bidirectional technology and the integration of renewable energy sources, is a shining example of how innovation can drive progress towards a greener urban environment.