Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 68.44
Liaison William Van Ausdal
Submission Date July 9, 2024

STARS v3.0

Flinders University
IL-66: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name of the innovative outcome, program, or initiative:
Vehicle-to-grid technology trial

Does the innovation represent a new, extraordinary, unique, ground-breaking, or uncommon outcome, program, or initiative that addresses a sustainability challenge and is not covered by an existing credit?:
Yes

Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the innovation:

Vehicle-to-grid technology trial
A landmark Vehicle-to Grid (V2G) charging station showcasing award-winning bidirectional vehicle-to-grid technology demonstrates a sustainable and innovative solution to scale energy storage technology, increase renewables, and reduce GHG emissions. It includes installing and maintaining 20x V2G chargers for its growing electric vehicle fleet that are powered by 100% renewable energy generated by ENGIE's Willogoleche Wind Farm and Flinders University’s own solar power systems. The stored energy in EV batteries is discharged into the campus during peak demand periods. 

This initiative supports SDGs 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 13 – Climate Action, and 17 – Partnerships, by demonstrating the reliability and scalability of bi-directional smart-charging systems for EVs, reducing emissions, optimizing behind-the-meter generation, and creating teaching, research, and innovation opportunities.

The initiative won the prestigious Sustainable Development Goals Initiative of the Year Award at the Triple E Awards in Barcelona in 2023. It was also nominated for the Premier's Award in Energy and Mining and the Green Gown Award in recognition of exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis MP, recognised the importance of this initiative for South Australia as evidence of the state’s position on the world stage. “We are delighted to see this bold trial at Flinders hit its first key milestone, charging electric vehicles and feeding power back into the grid when needed, demonstrating how EVs can be harnessed to support SA’s electricity system during peak demand periods.”

These 10 V2G chargers are in addition to another 35 EV charging stations, of which 31 are free to use for charging (with a valid parking session). 

https://2023.triple-e-awards.com/index/finalist/id/808

https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2023/08/04/all-systems-go-for-landmark-energy-project

https://www.energymagazine.com.au/landmark-vehicle-to-grid-ev-project-switched-on-in-sa/

https://smartcity.org.au/index.php/article/milestone-reached-flinders-university-launches-revolutionary-energy-project?page=1

https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/events/premiers-awards-energy-and-mining/2023-awards-nominees/flinders-university


Notes about the information provided for this credit:
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Additional documentation for this credit:
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