Essential Energy has received the prestigious Industry Innovation Award at the 2025 Energy Networks Australia (ENA) Awards, held on September 11, 2025, in Melbourne. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to advancing technology that provides tangible benefits to customers, particularly through its Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) initiative.
Developed in collaboration with CSIRO, Sigenergy, and AUSEV, this initiative marks a significant advancement in Australia’s energy transition. It introduces the country’s first market-ready V2G solution, allowing customers to utilize their electric vehicles (EVs) as flexible energy assets. The project was tested at Essential Energy’s Innovation Hub located in Port Macquarie and represents a major milestone in integrating EVs into the energy grid.
The V2G solution enables customers to harness the power of their EVs not only for personal use but also to support the grid and even export surplus energy back to the market. According to Brad Thomas, General Manager of Asset Management and Engineering at Essential Energy, this initiative transforms EVs into dynamic energy resources that offer real value to households and enhance grid stability.
“This technology will empower customers to take control of their energy usage, unlocking new value from their investments,” stated Thomas. “We’re proud to lead the charge in making V2G a practical, scalable solution for customers across regional, rural, and remote New South Wales.”
Future Developments in V2G Technology
Building on this success, Essential Energy plans to enhance user experience with the V2G technology in its next phase. The partnership with CSIRO has been extended for an additional five years, focusing on expanding the laboratory’s capabilities and exploring real-world applications. This includes improving control systems and standards, as well as testing a wider variety of EV models and charger hardware.
Dr. Sam Behrens, a Senior Research Engineer at CSIRO, emphasized the importance of collaboration in this next phase. “We aim to establish partnerships with additional industry stakeholders, including car and charger manufacturers, to scale our work effectively,” he noted. “With more collaborators, we can ensure that V2G solutions are robust, cost-effective, and seamlessly integrated into homes and the grid. There is tremendous potential not only for EV owners but for the entire energy sector and communities.”
The recent ENA award underscores Essential Energy’s dedication to delivering innovative and impactful solutions to its customers, particularly in the diverse landscapes of regional, rural, and remote New South Wales. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the company’s initiatives aim to foster a more resilient and inclusive future for all communities involved.
