California bill introduced to mandate a VPP implementation plan
Virtual power plants, which could save state ratepayers an estimated $550 million per year, are connected aggregations of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and energy storage.
Japanese agency launches solar surplus forecasting to improve energy efficiency
The Japan Weather Association (JWA) says its new forecasting service provides real-time surplus solar power predictions for individual buildings, commercial facilities, and households.
Solar canopies as a central pillar of IRA-driven energy transition
With so much of the space in United States cities allocated for parking, the dual pronged approach of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – production tax credits to drive investment in domestic manufacturing and investment tax credits to attract consumer-side investment – means solar canopies can make a huge contribution to the net zero drive.
German companies unite to bring virtual power plants to mid-sized businesses
Germany’s Electrofleet has invested in its virtual power plant technology partner Dieenergiekoppler. The two collaborate to enable mid-sized businesses to use self-produced renewable energy based on fixed price contracts. Dieenergiekoppler’s latest financing round solidified the collaboration.
Europe’s power price rollercoaster
Almost every weekend since Easter, European generators have been paid to power down plants but some Northern European nations are experiencing record electricity prices. An energy system set up for fossil fuels is in urgent need of reform, according to Gerard Reid, co-founder and partner of Alexa Capital.
What can Western utilities learn from emerging-market peers?
While electric companies in the Global North wrestle with how to keep the lights on as ever bigger solar and wind park capacities come online, developing-world utilities are experimenting with new ways of working and transforming the relationship between themselves and millions of new customers.
Utilities, can you DG it?
Small-scale PV systems drove the installation of more than 200 GW of solar capacity last year and could support more than 300 GW this year. That means a reset for utilities.
Virtual power plants roll out across the U.S.
Virtual power plants (VPPs) coordinate distributed resources and demand for a more resilient, cost-effective energy transition. And they are gaining traction in the United States.
Sonnen connects heat pumps to virtual power plant in Germany
Sonnen has introduced a new software solution to seamlessly integrate heat pumps into private household energy supplies and enhance grid stability. The company’s initial partner is heat pump manufacturer NIBE, but additional partners are expected to join in the future.
Enphase batteries to be used in US virtual power plants
Microinverter provider Enphase has signed a deal with Swell Energy to participate in distributed virtual power plants in California, New York and Hawaii.
