Knowledge Series on EV Integration – Challenges and Way Ahead for Utilities in South Asia
The Knowledge Series on EV Integration – Challenges and Way Ahead for Utilities in South Asia, organized by USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program and the South Asia Group for Energy (SAGE), was a comprehensive three-part webinar series. This series provided a platform for utility professionals across South Asia to deepen their understanding of the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the regional energy systems, addressing both the technical and strategic challenges associated with this transformative shift in transportation.
Electric vehicles are crucial to advancing sustainable and clean transportation solutions. As global momentum builds around EV adoption, the implications for energy systems, particularly regarding electricity demand and grid management, become increasingly significant. This series aimed to equip participants with critical insights and tools necessary for addressing the technical and strategic challenges posed by this transformative shift in transportation.
The first session of the series on March 7, 2024 provided a foundational overview of how electric vehicles impact grid infrastructure. It highlighted deployment challenges and strategies to enhance grid resilience in the face of increasing EV penetration. 74 professionals from various utilities across South Asia participated in this session, which offered insights into the intricate dynamics between EVs and grid operations.
The second session, held on March 21, focused on Electric Vehicles – Modelling as Grid Loads. It delved into the technical aspects of forecasting and managing the future load from EV charging. Participants explored advanced modelling tools and analysed scenarios based on international market trends, national targets, and visionary goals for EV adoption. The session was attended by 38 participants from 20 organizations in six countries.
The final session, on April 4, centred on Tariff Design for EV Users. It was kickstarted with a keynote address by Rakesh Kumar, Managing Director of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited. The discussion emphasized the importance of innovative tariff design to accommodate the unique demands of EV charging. Topics covered included consumer and technology categorization for tariff application, non-EV load management techniques like time-of-use rates, and demand response activities.
The series not only highlighted the challenges but also explored the vast opportunities that lie ahead, setting the stage for continued cooperation and innovation in this vital sector.
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