Nuvve and Circle K Deploy Large-Scale Grid Services Using EV Fast Chargers in Denmark and Norway

Nuvve Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: NVVE) and Circle K AS have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at bringing grid services, such as frequency regulation, to electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers. The project will be implemented at 50 of Circle K’s service stations and between three to five stationary storage sites within Norway and Denmark. This innovative collaboration signifies a crucial step towards a greener future, harnessing the power of EV technology to revolutionize the energy sector. The partnership is projected to generate grid services revenues for both Nuvve and Circle K in 2023, marking a milestone in the integration of EV infrastructure with grid services.

Through its GIVe™ platform, Nuvve’s V1G unidirectional smart charging technology is set to manage an initial 40 megawatts of fast chargers and stationary storage for Circle K. The implementation of Nuvve’s platform is expected to begin in early 2023. Should both parties deem the project successful, the partnership is anticipated to proliferate across Circle K’s Nordic high-speed charging network and might potentially extend to additional markets globally. This ambitious endeavor will not only promote the use of green technology but also pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy management system.

Innovative approach to energy management

Nuvve’s groundbreaking technology enables Circle K to derive financial value from its EV charging infrastructure. By integrating with the grid services, Circle K’s EV charging assets can partake in the energy market, thereby creating a revenue stream. This symbiotic relationship not only boosts the economic viability of EV charging stations but also provides a solution to system operators – Statnett in Norway and Energinet in Denmark – who are tasked with maintaining the equilibrium between electricity supply and demand at all times. This innovative approach to energy management underscores the potential of EV technology in revolutionizing the energy sector, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Circle K’s Alpitronic Hyperchargers and storage systems, will be remotely connected to the Nuvve GIVe™ platform

Circle K’s Alpitronic Hyperchargers, along with three to five storage systems, will be remotely connected to the Nuvve GIVe™ platform. This innovative software integration equips the charging and storage systems with the capability to respond to market signals in real time. It allows the systems to make instantaneous micro adjustments to their electricity flow, aligning their operations with the dynamic demands and supplies in the energy market. This real-time responsiveness not only optimizes the energy usage of these systems but also enhances their efficiency and adaptability in the fast-paced, constantly evolving energy market. The strategic integration with the Nuvve GIVe™ platform, therefore, marks a significant step towards smarter, more sustainable energy management in the EV infrastructure.

“Circle K will always optimize and grasp opportunities to make it easier for all to grow sustainable E-mobility. Enabling fast frequency response on our charging network paves the way for increased renewable share on the power grid as well as increased resilience of the grid itself. For us the collaboration with Nuvve addresses key challenges with a rapidly expanding network of chargers,” said Head of Global E-mobility in Circle K, Håkon Stiksrud.

“Nuvve is known in the U.S. primarily for its leadership in bidirectional vehicle-to-grid services; however, in the EU and other markets, we also provide revenue-generating ancillary grid services such as frequency regulation, voltage control and more,” said Nuvve Co-founder, Chair and CEO Gregory Poilasne. “As we look to evolve and lean into markets that are leaders in the energy transition, we see our Circle K partnership as an important step forward that allows us to circumvent supply chain delays that are impacting EV adoption – particularly in the US fleet market. We’re drawing on our decades of experience and innovation to provide Circle K and the transmission system with reliable and robust grid services.”

An innovative method to harmonize energy production and consumption

Utilizing fast chargers for frequency regulation presents an innovative method to harmonize energy production and consumption. This becomes progressively critical as the integration of intermittent renewable electricity sources, such as wind and solar power, continue to grow. The collaboration between Nuvve and Circle K significantly contributes to this transformation. Not only does it support an increased share of renewable electricity on the grid, but it also aids in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in lowering the operational cost of fast charging services, thereby making electric mobility more affordable and accessible. This partnership reflects an essential shift in energy management, highlighting the potential of EV technology in fostering a more sustainable, future-proof energy sector.

Circle K’s commitment to environmentally friendly transportation solutions extends across multiple nations, with a significant presence in Norway and Denmark. The company has installed over 430 DC chargers in Norway, a country that leads the world in EVs per capita. Additionally, it has more than 130 chargers in Denmark. This expansive network of charging stations underscores Circle K’s pioneering efforts in facilitating the transition to electric vehicles, ensuring easy access to charging facilities and further promoting the adoption of EV technology.

Circle K is a part of Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT)

Circle K is a part of Alimentation Couche-Tard (ACT), a global leader in fuel and retail. With operations spanning more than 20 countries, ACT is dedicated to making customers’ lives easier through their forward-thinking initiatives. Their mission aligns with a vision to become the world’s preferred destination for convenience and mobility. ACT is not a mere observer of the ongoing energy transition. Instead, it is a participant, expanding EV charging solutions across its vast network. ACT, through its Circle K brand, has managed to carve out a leading position in the European market for EV solutions. This commitment is a testament to ACT’s determination to facilitate the shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship.