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Portuguese energy company EDP delves into bidirectional energy charging, disregarding the lacking regulatory structure in Portugal

Portugal lacks defined regulations for bidirectional charging, yet businesses are investing heavily in this technology, seen as increasingly crucial, especially for reducing the strain on the electrical grid due to electric vehicles. What, then, are EDP's strategies regarding this innovation?

Portuguese energy company EDP delves into bidirectional charging, disregarding the absence of a...
Portuguese energy company EDP delves into bidirectional charging, disregarding the absence of a regulatory framework in the country.

Portuguese energy company EDP delves into bidirectional energy charging, disregarding the lacking regulatory structure in Portugal

In a significant stride towards a greener future, EDP, Portugal's leading energy company, has been at the forefront of electric mobility, launching integrated charging solutions for fleet managers and expanding its charging infrastructure nationwide.

EDP's recent offer allows fleet managers to provide charging solutions to their employees, marking a step towards a more sustainable corporate sector. This move is part of EDP's ambitious plan to expand charging infrastructure for private households, buildings, and corporate fleets.

The company's investment in modernising and expanding electricity distribution networks in Portugal and Spain is substantial, with significant financing like the €700 million loans from the European Investment Bank to advance energy projects and infrastructure by 2024.

EDP's efforts have already borne fruit, with more than 500 chargers installed at strategic locations for CTT (Correios de Portugal), making it the largest private network in the country. The company currently manages over 3,300 contracted public charging points, of which 1,900 are operational nationwide.

The EDP Charge platform, a key component of these efforts, enables effective management of energy consumption during EV charging. This platform also reduces the need for additional investments in the electrical grid, alleviating pressure on the energy infrastructure and promoting the integration of renewable energy.

EDP's commitment to Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is not just a future vision but a tangible reality in their current projects. V2G systems treat EVs as assets that can contribute to the stability of the infrastructure. For instance, EDP, in partnership with Petroprix, has implemented ultra-fast charging points equipped with batteries that are recharged when the chargers are not in use.

Moreover, these systems can support buildings during peak consumption and facilitate the integration of decentralised renewable sources. This is crucial for decarbonising the electricity system, a transition that requires a transition to renewable energy and a decentralised grid system, according to EDP Portugal.

EDP stands out in the private charging sector with a diverse portfolio of products and services for families and businesses. The company is also researching solutions to increase clean energy capacity and manage demand from electric vehicles. EVs with bidirectional chargers can transform into small mobile energy storage stations, helping to balance the grid during critical times. Bidirectional charging could play a crucial role in managing the grid, as it can supply and discharge energy from EV batteries.

Keeping pace with innovation and technology is essential for the development of electric mobility in Portugal and globally, as emphasised by EDP. The company's intelligent management with the EDP Charge platform improves energy efficiency in buildings and local networks, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

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