In a market with high renewable penetration and unique geographical challenges, flexibility is crucial to maintaining grid stability in Australia – and virtual power plants (VPPs) are playing a transformative role.
By integrating numerous distributed energy resources (DERs) into one network, VPPs are changing the way electricity is generated, managed and utilised, according to a new whitepaper published by GridBeyond – Virtual power plants in Australia – A bright future ahead.
As the world seeks sustainable and efficient ways to generate and distribute electricity, renewables are becoming an increasingly important element of the global energy system. However, their intermittent nature means there is a need for a significant increase in flexible resources to manage increased volatility.
Australia is a leader in renewable energy adoption, with solar and wind constituting a significant share of its energy mix. In addition, increased adoption of flexible devices such as heat pumps, electric vehicles and battery storage is accelerating.
With the impact this cab have on grid stability, many regulators and utilities are looking for solutions to reliability and affordability challenges.
VPPs have emerged as a transformative solution in recent years, offering a flexible and decentralised approach. By integrating numerous DERs into one network, VPPs offer a wide array of benefits across the energy system, and AI-powered technologies provide an invaluable opportunity to manage energy consumption and support grid stability.
In its latest whitepaper, GridBeyond explores the principle, benefits and challenges associated with VPPs and how they can be managed and optimised in Australia.
Access the whitepaper here.
