What is a virtual power plant?

Enter the virtual power plant. Virtual power plants (VPPs) link small energy systems and smart devices into a connected network managed by a utility or energy company. By allowing them access to your systems and devices, they can support the grid during high demand and respond during emergencies.

What is a virtual power plant (VPP)?

The “virtual” nature of VPPs comes from its lack of a central physical facility, like a traditional coal or gas plant. By generating electricity and balancing the energy load, the aggregated batteries and solar panels provide many of the functions of conventional power plants. They also have unique advantages.

What is the global virtual power plant market size?

Global Virtual Power Plant Market Size during 2021-2028 ($Billion) Tesla’s VPP in South Australia, maybe the biggest, exemplifies how these virtual power plants can benefit society. Australia was once known for its exorbitant electricity costs and shaky grid.

What is a 500MW virtual power plant?

The 500MW virtual power plant is made up of flexibility from various assets owned by customers around the United Kingdom. This includes NHS hospitals, universities, local governments, district heating schemes, supermarkets, commercial farmers, and manufacturers.

Why should LPO invest in virtual power plant projects?

LPO investments in virtual power plant projects help advance equitable clean energy access and empower Americans to support grid flexibility, resilience, and reliability.

Can mobile storage be used as a VPP?

Sunrun is a primary US solar provider and operates virtual power plant programs involving over 20,000 homes across nine states. In Maryland, the company recently conducted a vehicle-to-grid pilot that used electric vehicles as dispatchable grid assets, highlighting the growing role of mobile storage in VPP networks.