Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are a network of small energy generation sites—think hundreds of homes with rooftop solar—that are combined with storage technologies like home batteries and electric vehicles to help grid operators manage peak demand, improve affordability, and bolster. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are a network of small energy generation sites—think hundreds of homes with rooftop solar—that are combined with storage technologies like home batteries and electric vehicles to help grid operators manage peak demand, improve affordability, and bolster. A virtual power plant (VPP) is a system for aggregating distributed energy resources (DERs) to function as a single power plant. Operators coordinate these resources to balance supply and demand, provide grid services, and participate in energy markets. VPPs are an aggregation of distributed energy resources (DERs)—energy solutions such as solar and battery systems, smart thermostats, and electric vehicles installed at or close to homes. By orchestrating EVs, batteries, and smart home devices, VPPs can help make the grid cleaner and more efficient. MIT Technology Review Explains: Let our writers untangle the complex, messy world of technology to help you understand what's coming next. You can read more from the series here. Virtual power plants (VPPs) are every bit as real as conventional generation resources.
