First Bus has expanded the use of new technology designed to better manage electric vehicle charging across its Caledonia depot in Glasgow, following a successful initial trial.
Earlier this year, it became the first UK bus operator to enrol an electric depot in the National Grid balancing mechanism, which helps balance electricity supply and demand shortly before electricity delivery.
Delivered in partnership with energy management specialist company Optimo Energy, the project has now scaled from 34 to 172 charging outlets across Caledonia, one of the UK’s largest bus depots.
The Optimo expansion enables First Bus to ensure it is making the best possible use of its energy across the site while also continuing to sell surplus energy back into the grid.
Caledonia has a potential 12MW charging load operating within a 5MW grid connection.
Vehicle readiness remains the overriding priority. Once buses’ operational requirements are secured, flexibility in the remaining charging demand can be used to respond to energy prices and grid requirements.
The initial trial was designed to demonstrate that charging demand could be managed more intelligently without compromising the fundamental operational requirement of having buses charged and ready for service.
Its commercial and operational performance gave First Bus the confidence to extend the technology across the full depot.
Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability Officer at First Bus, said:“One of the challenges we face is making sure we have enough power to provide a reliable service for customers whilst also continuing to provide surplus energy to the grid.
“Optimo resolves that challenge for us.”
