What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant is a system of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. They are usually run by local utility companies who oversee this balancing act.

Who can benefit from a virtual power plant?

Numerous stakeholders across the energy market can benefit from a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). At Fusebox, the main types of business we support include: Incorporate more renewable energy sources into their operations. Provide innovative flexibility services to their clients, leveraging demand-side resources effectively.

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.

Why are virtual power plants more resilient than centralized generating stations?

Virtual power plants are more resilient against service outages than large, centralized generating stations because they distribute energy resources across large areas. Virtual power plants aren’t new. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that there are already 30 to 60 gigawatts of them in operation today.

Could virtual power plants reshape electric power?

Virtual power plants could help reshape electric power into an industry that’s more nimble, efficient and responsive to changing conditions and customers’ needs. Some power plants don’t have massive smokestacks or cooling towers – or even a central site.

What is a virtual power plant aggregation program?

A virtual power plant aggregation program is a way to get paid for helping stabilize the grid by participating. The first step to joining this energy revolution is to install a solar or solar-plus-storage system at your home.