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From left to right: Josh Eichman (IREC), Miguel Pardo (e-Distribución), Martín Ribas (Endesa), Simón Gornés (Consell de Menorca), Fernando Diz-Lois (e-Distribución), and Jacob Rodríguez (e-Distribución).
- The pilot explores the contribution of electric vehicle charging to alleviating technical grid constraints, fostering greater renewable energy integration, and reinforcing power system stability.
- The project utilises every charger available to Endesa on the island, creating a large-scale testing environment.
>Menorca has been selected as the setting to analyse how smart charging for electric vehicles can provide flexibility to the electricity system and generate benefits for both the system as a whole and e-mobility users. e-distribución, Endesa’s networks subsidiary, is leading a pilot project on the island designed to test and validate advanced solutions for EV demand management, integrating charging efficiently and securely into distribution network operations.
The pilot, which also involves the company's energy retail arm, is part of the European FLOW project (Flexible Energy Systems Leveraging the Optimal Integration of EVs Deployment Wave), driven by a consortium of 30 partners across nine European countries. It focuses on evaluating the role of the electric vehicle as a flexibility resource from the demand side, analysing how charging patterns can adapt to grid requirements, contribute to improved power system planning and operation, and facilitate the future development of new coordination schemes and local markets that would allow consumers to be compensated for their contribution to grid flexibility.
The FLOW project aims to explore the role of electric mobility as a key resource for delivering flexibility to the power system. The initiative studies how electric cars are set to become not only a clean mode of transport, but also a valuable energy asset for the system: genuine “batteries on wheels” capable of helping to alleviate technical grid needs, support greater renewable energy integration, and reinforce power system stability.
The selection of Menorca as the testing ground was strategic, as the island is characterised by high seasonality in energy demand and a growing use of electric vehicles. The pilot employs all charging points available to Endesa on the island, a total of 33 AC and DC units with power outputs ranging from 22 kW to 150 kW, creating a large-scale testing environment.
Efficient charging management
>The project is enabling the validation of smart charging outcomes and their contribution to ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure for Menorca, even during peak tourism periods when demand increases. The goal is to provide flexibility to the distributor, enabling the efficient management of energy transactions between multiple stakeholders, from Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and mobility service providers to EV drivers, commercial fleets, and vehicle rental companies, all of whom have been consulted regarding their experiences and preferences.
The primary goal is to optimise the use of the electricity grid through intelligent management tools. These tools are designed to accommodate demand peaks, prevent congestion, and improve overall system efficiency, facilitating more coordinated management among the various energy stakeholders. The project incorporates advanced solutions to improve the planning, operation, and evaluation of EV charging.
The results obtained from this pioneering project will enable the development of new policies and the establishment of best practices to drive a model of electric mobility that is more efficient, sustainable, and fully integrated into the power system.
The Menorca initiative is one of five FLOW pilots, alongside those being developed in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, and Denmark. The four-year project, led by the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), is funded by the Horizon Europe framework programme, with a total budget of approximately €10 million. It involves major European companies from the electricity sector, such as Endesa and its parent company Enel, as well as the mobility sector (vehicle manufacturers, developers, and charging infrastructure operators), universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and industry associations.
Key aspects of the FLOW project
- Increase the flexibility of the electrical system: Intelligent management of vehicle charging allows demand to be adapted to the needs of the distribution network, alleviating technical restrictions.
- Facilitate the integration of renewable energies: Vehicle charging is adjusted to periods of greater availability of renewable generation, favouring its use.
- Optimise energy costs for users: Charging takes place during off-peak hours or when there is a surplus of renewable energy, reducing the total cost of supply.
- Contribute to the stability of the distribution network: Charging management helps to control voltage and mitigate congestion and saturation in low and medium voltage networks.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No. 101056730. https://theflowproject.eu/.
About Endesa
Endesa is the leading electricity company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. It is also the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. Endesa operates an integrated business model spanning electricity generation, distribution, and supply. Furthermore, the company offers value-added services focused on the electrification of energy use for households, businesses, and public administrations. Endesa is committed to the United Nations’ SDGs and corporate social responsibility. In this area, it also operates through the Endesa Foundation. The company employs around 9,000 people and is part of Enel.