Virtual Power Plants and the Role of Regulation

Introduction to Virtual Power Plants

Definitions

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) – small and medium-sized power resources that are connected to the distribution network.

They include:

• distributed generation (such as solar panels and other variable renewable resources, but also non-renewable generation such as diesel generators)
• energy storage (such as small scale batteries, hot water systems or electric vehicle batteries)
• technology enabling demand response, such as smart thermostats, appliances or electric vehicle supply equipment

DERs are usually “behind the meter”. This means that many DERs are not visible to distribution grid operators and are not separately metered. However, larger DERs can be distribution connected and sub-metering of DERs may exist behind the meter. To work within a VPP, the DER must have a certain possibility to be remotely controlled.

Consumer Energy Resources (CER) – distributed energy resources owned by the consumer.

Aggregators – new market players who bundle DERs to engage as a single entity (a virtual power plant) in power or service markets. They can optimise the use of DERs. Aggregators can then sell electricity or ancillary services via an electricity exchange, in the wholesale market, or through procurement by the system operator.

Aggregators use a centralised IT system to remotely control the DERs and optimise their operation. They can provide:

• Load shifting
• Balancing services to TSOs
• Local flexibility to DSOs

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) - VPPs aggregate dispersed DERs/CERs to enable these small energy sources to support the grid.  VPP behave similar to a traditional power plant, with standard attributes, including minimum and maximum capacity, and ramp up and ramp down capabilities.

A central IT system controls the VPP, processing data like weather forecasts, electricity prices, and power trends to optimize dispatchable DER operations.

VPPs offer both demand-side flexibility by aggregating demand-response and storage resources to act to grid requirements. Supply-side flexibility is provided by optimizing power generation from flexible resources like combined heat and power (CHP) plants, biogas plants, and using storage units. Operation optimization is based on historical and forecasted data on demand, generation, and prices.

Benefits of Virtual Power Plants

Benefits For Decarbonisation

VPPs can combine renewable generation, like solar, and energy storage to address the variability of renewable resources. By grouping different DERs and operating them as a VPP, this variability is managed more effectively. Aggregating DERs and enabling market participation can boost their return on investment and speed up deployment. If they reduce fossil fuel use, VPPs can help accelerate decarbonisation.

Benefits to the System

VPPs increase flexibility in electricity generation, improve energy efficiency, and boost grid stability through real-time monitoring and control. By aggregating renewable resources like solar and wind, along with storage and demand response, VPPs strengthen grid reliability and resilience.

They also help balance energy systems by addressing gaps in renewable generation. When renewables can't meet peak demand, dispatchable generation, such as gas plants, fills the gap. Conversely, surplus renewable energy can be wasted due to network congestion or curtailment. VPPs address this by storing excess energy for later use, and when combined with demand response, they improve the balance between supply and demand.

VPPs can also provide ancillary services to the grid, such as frequency regulation, voltage support and black start services.

VPPs reduce the need for distribution and transmission infrastructure. By their nature, DERs are close to demand. Much of the electricity generated by a solar panel will be used by the household or business under that roof. This is a significant advantage given that the IEA estimates that more than 80 million km of grid infrastructure will need to be added globally between 2021 and 2050 to meet climate targets.

VPPs enhance energy system resilience by reducing reliance on a few large generators and preventing single points of failure. Composed of geographically diverse DERs using various renewable sources, VPPs increase resilience since individual failures have minimal impact. Electric vehicle batteries further boost resilience by being mobile across the grid.

Benefits to Consumers

VPPs help consumers maximize the value of their DERs by lowering energy costs and offering financial benefits. For example, electric hot water systems can heat water when cheap renewable energy is available, and EV batteries can charge during surplus renewable generation and, with vehicle-to-grid capability, feed power back to the grid when needed.

To Utilities

Setting up and running a VPP is a cost-effective way to build capacity compared to large-scale renewable generation and storage. In some markets, individual DERs may not meet minimum bid size requirements, so aggregating them through a VPP makes them more attractive for investment.

Challenges and Barriers

Traditional power systems were designed for a one-way flow of electricity; DERs and VPPs mean that distribution systems need to manage the two-way flow of electricity and information about that flow. VPPs often rely on telecommunications to operate, and when telecommunications networks fail, so do VPPs.

As more households and businesses take advantage of DERs, there is a risk that utilities will see declining returns on generation and grid infrastructure investments due to increased behind-the-meter consumption. This is a wider risk for businesses and consumers who may end up paying for stranded assets, an issue that regulators may need to consider managing.

Furthermore, challenges such as cyber security threats and the need for standardised communication protocols for interoperability are hindering wider adoption. In addition, regulatory barriers prevent effective support for distributed energy management. Market structures that incentivise the participation of small energy producers are often lacking. To realise the full potential of VPPs it is essential to overcome these challenges.