More and more electric buses are rolling on Sweden’s streets. And Västerås is no exception. But at the same time, the electricity grid is strained. Therefore, a new project is being tested at Svealandstrafiken’s bus depot.
A container is to be filled with 80 batteries which the bus company then recharges and uses again. In this way, the local charging capacity can increase. At the same time, the batteries can be used to contribute to a more stable electricity grid – as the batteries can act as a reserve when needed.
– When necessary, we can discharge the batteries to balance the frequency in the electricity grid. Then we can do some kind of community service, but we also get paid by Svenska kraftnät to help. So it will be a win-win, says Geert Schaap, head of technology and innovation at Svelandstrafiken.
Want to be self-sufficient
The pilot facility in Västerås is the first of its kind at a bus depot in Sweden. The idea is to introduce similar energy storage on a larger scale. Then combined with solar cells when the new bus depot is to be built in Västerås in 2029.
– Then you can charge with solar during the day and then charge a number of buses at night with it, says Geert Schaap.