The electrification of the transport sector is progressing in Germany and France. It is not only addressing climate goals, but is increasingly being considered in the context of energy security and supply. The development of energy prices over the last few years, against the backdrop of geopolitical crises - in particular in connection with the current tensions in the Middle East and the blockage of strategic trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz - highlights the risks associated with a continued dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Electrification and renewable energy are a way of reducing these dependencies. With the rise of electric mobility, the potential of electric vehicles for the electricity system is also increasing. Thanks to bidirectional charging, the batteries of vehicles can not only consume electricity, but also feed it back into the grid when needed, thus contributing to the integration of renewable energy.
These developments are increasingly reflected in the policy and regulatory initiatives of both countries. In France, the third multi-annual energy programme (PPE 3), as well as an announced electrification plan, aim to accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector and the deployment of electric mobility. In Germany, recent regulatory adjustments have been adopted to facilitate the use of bidirectional applications, including the removal of some double financial charges on temporarily stored electricity.
In this context, the question arises as to the technical, regulatory and economic conditions under which bidirectional charging can be deployed on a large scale in the future.
At this event, the OFATE brings together representatives from the energy sector, the automotive industry and research to discuss the recent developments and prospects for bidirectional charging in Germany and France.
The following questions will be at the heart of the discussion: