Dutch smart grid solutions developer Alfen has been selected by Shell to install energy storage capacity to support its ultrafast electric vehicle charging service at a forecourt in Zaltbommel, the Netherlands.
The 350kWh battery-based system will provide additional power to reduce load on the grid in periods of peak electricity demand. When car charging activities are low, the energy storage system could potentially sell power back into the grid.
In addition to optimising vehicle charging while limiting grid impact, the installation also aims to test the role for energy storage in ultrafast charging environments and the potential to rollout the concept more widely. The system is particularly applicable for fast charging installations at locations with restricted access to the national grid.
Luitzen Kaspersma, Future Fuels Project Manager Benelux and France Shell Retail said, “Accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles requires an efficient and reliable charging network where customers can rapidly charge their cars any time of the day, even during peak hours. We are confident that energy storage helps to achieve that.”
Yves Vercammen, Sales Manager at Alfen adds: “We believe the integration of energy storage at EV fast-charging stations is important for ensuring grid stability while offering EV drivers optimal charging services and we are delighted to be able to help demonstrate that.”
The forecourt battery pilot comes just weeks after Shell emphasised its commitment to becoming a provider of net-zero-emissions energy products. By 2025, it aims to have a global network of around 500,000 EV chargers.
