In Luxembourg, electric cars will replace batteries
Michael Fousert, Unsplash
Luxembourg's Economy Minister Lex Delles presented details to Parliament on the prospects and challenges of V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technologies, which turn electric vehicles into batteries for the power grid and home use.
What are V2G and V2H?
- V2G allows energy from an electric vehicle's battery to be returned to the grid, maintaining balance during peak loads and storing energy during periods of excess generation, such as from solar panels.
- V2H is focused on home use: energy from the car powers household appliances, increasing the share of self-consumption of renewable energy.
Standardisation remains one of the main challenges. For efficient operation, charging stations and vehicles from different manufacturers need to be compatible. The international standard ISO 15118-20 has already been implemented and provides a more stable connection for two-way charging.
However, despite the existence of V2G-enabled vehicles, most private charging stations are still not compatible with this technology, especially for AC systems.
According to a proposal by the European Commission, from 2027 all new charging stations, both private and public, must comply with ISO 15118-20. This will facilitate the introduction of V2G and V2H technologies.
The National Regulatory Institute (ILR) has initiated studies to assess the economic impact of two-way charging as well as its effect on the share of renewables in the grid.
Although there are no major V2G projects in Luxembourg yet, the authorities are actively studying foreign experience, where such initiatives often remain pilots. At the national level, discussions have begun with charging station operators to integrate these technologies.
