First Bus has begun trialling the use of its electric bus depots to help balance the UK’s electricity system by adjusting when vehicles charge.
The trial at the First Bus depot in Glasgow, will be extended to the operators Great Yarmouth depot in Norfolk later in the spring.
By flexing when buses are charged, the depots can increase demand at times when there is excess renewable energy on the system, particularly wind power in Scotland, and reduce demand during peak periods.
This helps reduce the need to curtail renewable generation and supports a more efficient, flexible energy network.
The trial is the first time a UK bus operator has enrolled electric depots into the National Grid balancing mechanism, which balances electricity supply and demand shortly before electricity delivery.
Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability Officer for First Bus, said: “We’ve built significant electric capacity across our depots, and the next step is using it more intelligently.
“By charging when the grid needs us to, we can help reduce wasted renewable energy, support system stability and improve the overall economics of electrification.”
Scotland generates significant volumes of wind energy, but limitations in grid capacity mean some of this power cannot be transmitted to where demand is highest.
As a result, renewable energy is sometimes curtailed. By increasing demand at key times, electric bus depots can help absorb this excess energy.
The trial is being delivered in partnership with Optimo Energy, whose platform enables operators to optimise charging in response to real-time grid signals, while ensuring vehicles remain ready for service.
