LIP project 'Future Charging – Electric Mobility as Flexible Energy Storage in the Waldviertel Region'

GAP-Strategieplan Österreich 2023-2027

Sonnenplatz Großschönau GmbH

Verein TDW Großschönau

Pilotbetrieb Landwirt Johannes Grübl

The energy transition presents new challenges, particularly for agricultural businesses equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems. Increasingly, surplus electricity is generated at times when feeding it into the grid is no longer economically attractive. This is precisely where the LIP project "Future Charging – Electric Mobility as Flexible Energy Storage in the Waldviertel Region" comes in.

The project's objective is to integrate electric vehicles as intelligent, bidirectional energy storage systems into agricultural energy infrastructures. Through innovative charging infrastructure and intelligent energy management, surplus solar electricity is stored in vehicle batteries and, when needed, supplied back either for on-site consumption or to provide grid support services. This creates new opportunities to increase self-consumption, relieve pressure on the electricity grid, and improve the economic utilization of renewable energy.

Working closely with pilot farms, the project will develop and test practical solutions under real-world operating conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies, which will enable electric vehicles to play an active role in the regional energy system. The knowledge and experience gained will be documented and disseminated throughout the region to support additional agricultural businesses in implementing innovative energy solutions.

Project Objectives

• Develop and test intelligent charging and energy management systems for agricultural businesses.
• Use electric vehicles as flexible energy storage systems to optimize the self-consumption of electricity generated by photovoltaic systems.
• Increase the economic viability of renewable energy through bidirectional charging.
• Create additional income opportunities for agricultural businesses by providing grid-supporting energy services.
• Develop transferable solutions to support the energy transition in rural areas.
• Contribute to the decarbonization of the mobility and energy sectors in Lower Austria.

Innovation

Future Charging combines agriculture, renewable energy, and electric mobility into one integrated intelligent energy system. Its innovative approach lies in viewing electric vehicles not merely as a means of transportation, but as active components of a regional energy ecosystem. By combining photovoltaic generation, bidirectional charging infrastructure, and digital energy management, the project creates new flexibility options for both agricultural businesses and electricity grids.

Regional Impact

The project strengthens the energy independence and competitiveness of agricultural businesses in the Waldviertel region while supporting the continued expansion of renewable energy. Through close collaboration between research institutions, industry, and practitioners, the project develops solutions with strong demonstration potential that can be replicated well beyond the project region. In doing so, Future Charging makes an important contribution to climate-resilient rural development and supports the implementation of Austria's energy and climate objectives.