Integration of smart grids and renewable energy sources in the automotive sector in the context of Ukraine’s energy transition

Abstract

Problem setting. Transport electrification is not only a technological process but also a structural factor in the transformation of Ukraine’s energy sector. The modern paradigm of decarbonization leads to the systemic convergence of the energy and transport sectors, where large-scale electrification acts as a catalyst for the transformation of vehicles from passive consumers into active intelligent nodes of the energy network. The introduction of bidirectional energy transfer (V2G) technologies and the concept of «smart» charging allows the integration of the electric vehicle fleet into the overall power balancing system, transforming it into a distributed flexibility resource. This synergistic approach not only stabilizes the power system in conditions of high intermittent generation from renewable sources, but also forms a new architecture of energy security, where transport infrastructure becomes an integral element of demand management. Analysis of recent researches and publications. An analysis of recent studies and publications on the chosen topic shows that the theoretical, methodological, and practical essence of «smart grids» has been the subject of scientific research by various scholars. Thus, in their publications, the category of «smart grids” was analyzed by Bugazianus C. M., Putsenteilo P. R., Ru J. et al. The following scientists have paid attention to innovations in the automotive sector, including electric vehicles, in their scientific works: Acharige S. S. G. et al., Ashfaq M. et al., Naseem H. et al., Sanjana D. et al., Prokopenko O. V., Välk K. Among scientists, the issues of energy transition were studied by Zvarych R. E. and Kharkovskyi B. V., Shkurat M. E. and Kuzmenko E. G. Target of research. The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of transport electrification and the implementation of Smart Grid and RES technologies as interrelated components of Ukraine’s energy transition, as well as to study the legal, economic, and institutional mechanisms for their implementation in the context of decarbonization and European integration. Article’s main body. The integration of the Smart Grid concept is a fundamental factor in the transformation of power systems, enabling electric vehicles to transition from passive consumption nodes to active demand management agents. The use of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows the stochastic nature of generation from renewable energy sources to be offset by using vehicle batteries as decentralized energy storage systems. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The transformative role of the automotive sector in the Smart Grid structure has been identified. Emphasis is placed on the V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) concept, according to which electric vehicles are considered as mobile energy storage systems that balance fluctuations in generation from renewable energy sources (RES). Based on an analysis of the regulatory framework of Ukraine and the EU governing the integration of electric transport into the energy system, the prospects for the development of a decentralized energy infrastructure are outlined. The fundamental transformation of the national energy system in the context of the global energy transition has been studied: from a static centralized model to a dynamic decentralized network. The paper reveals the mechanisms for the introduction of digital management technologies and changes in the role of consumers in the energy system. It is proven that this transition is not only a technological upgrade, but also a critical condition for ensuring national security and energy sustainability of the state. The concept of Smart Grid as a key tool for the digital transformation of Ukraine’s energy sector is substantiated.