SMART NETWORKS
THE
VIRTUAL POWER PLANT:
A NEW FRONTIER FOR DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES? by Christopher Allan, Journalist, Energy Magazine A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is an emerging technology with the power to unite many Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), like home batteries, under a smart, cloud-based management system. The rise of VPPs has prompted interest from governments, utilities, and consumers alike – so what’s all the fuss about? In this article, we break down the fundamentals of VPPs, explore the live debate surrounding their future role in supporting the grid, as well as offer a consumer perspective on their development.
54
March 2022 ISSUE 17
www.energymagazine.com.au
