The projects, through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will explore how electric vehicles (EV), batteries and other technologies can support energy networks.
They will also explore how new technologies can enhance the capacity, capability and resilience of the power network to make it more active and responsive to the growing and changing demands of both domestic and commercial customers.
The partnership represents another step forward for Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility blueprint in Europe, which aims to demonstrate how electric vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF can work in tandem with energy providers and grid infrastructure to deliver cleaner, more efficient energy networks.
Jim Cardwell, head of trading and innovation at Northern Powergrid, said: “Building on what we are already doing around innovation projects, this signals the start of a ground-breaking industry partnership to explore new innovations that could support the creation of smarter, greener energy networks and help shape future technologies to support the efficient roll-out of electric vehicles.”
Patrick Erwin, policy and markets director at Northern Powergrid, said: “By bringing together our expertise we will help the region - as part of the Northern Powerhouse - play a leading role in exploring innovation and technological advances that could potentially benefit future generations, communities, businesses and industries both in and outside of the UK.”
Ed Jones, EV manager at Nissan Motor (GB), added: “We’ve always known that Nissan’s EV technology can be used for so much more than just getting people from A-to-B and we’re delighted to be sharing our expertise to help create more sustainable energy networks in the UK. Through the integration of Nissan EVs, we can find new solutions that will help shape a society whose energy use is sustainable, efficient and affordable.”
