Essential Energy has been awarded the Industry Innovation category at the **2025 Energy Networks Australia (ENA) Awards** for its groundbreaking Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) initiative. The awards ceremony took place on **September 11** in **Melbourne**, recognizing the project’s role in driving innovation across the energy sector and delivering tangible benefits to customers.
In collaboration with **CSIRO**, **Sigenergy**, and **AUSEV**, Essential Energy launched Australia’s first market-ready V2G solution. This initiative allows customers to utilize their electric vehicles (EVs) as flexible energy assets. The system represents a significant step forward in Australia’s energy transition, offering the first **Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2)** V2G solution available to all users connected to the Essential Energy network.
Transforming Electric Vehicles into Energy Resources
Tested at Essential Energy’s **Innovation Hub** in **Port Macquarie**, the technology empowers customers to use their EVs to power their homes, enhance grid stability, and potentially export energy back into the market. According to **Brad Thomas**, General Manager of Asset Management and Engineering, this initiative transforms EVs into dynamic energy resources, providing real value to households.
“V2G will give customers more control over their energy use and unlock new value from their investments,” Thomas stated. “We’re proud to be leading the way in making V2G a practical, scalable solution for customers across regional, rural, and remote New South Wales.”
Building on this recognition, Essential Energy plans to simplify the technology for users and expand its benefits. The partnership with CSIRO has been extended for an additional five years, focusing on increasing laboratory capabilities, exploring real-world applications, and testing a wider array of EV models and charging hardware.
Future Prospects for V2G Technology
**Dr. Sam Behrens**, a Senior Research Engineer at CSIRO, highlighted the importance of collaborating with additional industry players, including car and charger manufacturers, to enhance the V2G project. “With more partners, we can ensure that V2G solutions are robust, cost-effective, and reliably integrated into homes and the grid,” Behrens noted. “We see enormous opportunity ahead, not just for EV owners, but for the broader energy sector and communities.”
The recognition from the ENA underscores Essential Energy’s commitment to delivering innovative and impactful solutions to customers in regional, rural, and remote areas of New South Wales. As the energy landscape evolves, the teams at Essential Energy are dedicated to building a more resilient and inclusive future for their communities.
This award not only celebrates a significant technological achievement but also reflects the growing importance of sustainable energy practices. The successful implementation of the V2G initiative could pave the way for similar projects across the globe, marking a pivotal moment in the transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
