Exploring Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Potential for a Sustainable Energy Future in the Canary Islands

Abstract

Achieving the desired goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions heavily relies on the decarbonization of the electric generation system. This necessity is even more pronounced in isolated island regions like the Canary Islands, which rely heavily on energy imports. The government has set a target for full economy decarbonization by 2040, a transition that will notably increase electricity demand, especially in the transportation sector, as electric vehicles (EVs) lead the way in land transport decarbonization. Simultaneously, the bidirectional capability of EVs, known as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, offers an opportunity to function as an energy storage solution, supporting the grid during peak demand periods. This dissertation aims to investigate the potential of V2G within the framework of achieving full economic decarbonization including land transportation in the Canary Islands. To assess the V2G potential, a modeling methodology was developed. This approach employed published data and aimed to forecast the electricity demand and generation profiles forecasted by 2040. Two scenarios were examined: the winter day Scenario and the summer day scenario. Renewables generation mix, 75% solar and 25% wind, was utilized. Open-source tools were employed to produce hourly generation profiles of renewables. Furthermore, the study explored three levels of EVs participation, representing 20%, 40%, and 50% of the projected electric vehicle fleet in 2040. The results revealed that under the summer day scenario, V2G capacity could cover 91% of the supply shortage. In contrast, during the winter day scenario, V2G stored capacity covered 44% of the supply shortage. The potential of V2G to enhance grid generation is significant if recommended policies and incentives put in place and could be optimized when combined with Demand-Side Management across other energy sectors.