First Bus has begun trialling the use of its electric bus depots to support the UK’s electricity system, adjusting when vehicles charge to help reduce wasted renewable energy and balance supply and demand.
The trial launched at First Bus’s Glasgow depot and will extend to Great Yarmouth later this spring. It marks the first time a UK bus operator has enrolled electric depots into the National Grid’s balancing mechanism, which manages short-term electricity supply and demand.
By flexing charging schedules, depots can increase demand when there is excess renewable energy on the system – and in Scotland, we’re particularly thinking of wind power – and reduce demand during peak periods. This helps prevent renewable generation from being wasted and supports a more efficient energy network.
Isabel McAllister, Chief Sustainability Officer for First Bus, said: ‘Electric buses are already transforming public transport, but this trial shows they have the ability to go even further: playing an active role in the UK’s energy system.
‘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.’
The trial is 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.
Daniel Homoki-Farkas, CEO and co-founder of Optimo, said: ‘Electric fleets like First Bus’s represent a significant opportunity to support the UK’s transition to a more flexible energy system.
‘By intelligently managing when vehicles charge, operators can respond to real-time grid needs, helping to reduce renewable energy curtailment, lower system costs and unlock new value from existing infrastructure.’
The trial will also explore how depots can participate in additional energy flexibility markets, creating potential new revenue streams while supporting the transition to net zero. First Bus has also opened its depot charging infrastructure to third parties via its First Charge offering, strengthening the role of depots as shared energy assets.