How to fix our nation’s growing electricity supply problem
One solution is to aggregate distributed energy resources with energy management systems and energy storage, into virtual power plants, which are proving their worth as key players in increasing grid capacity and balancing the grid.
Commercial real estate to host VPP-connected flywheels and batteries
U.S.-based technology provider Torus has agreed to supply nearly 26 MWh of energy storage for Gardner Group’s commercial real estate portfolio. The project will integrate battery and flywheel energy storage systems (BESS, FESS) with Torus’ proprietary energy management platform.
Sunrise brief: Solar panel import tariffs increasing prices by up to 286%
Also on the rise: Total U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity grows by 71% in Q1 2024. California bill amends ruling that gutted value of solar for multi-meter properties. And more.
DOE funding available for distributed energy resource operations software
The Department of Energy announced $31 million in funding for research to improve distribution level grid operations of solar, wind, energy storage, and other inverter-based resources.
Texas is the proving ground for a new way of electric grid operation
Texas is uniquely suited to adopt virtual power plant technology due to its competitive, deregulated market. Its success highlights the “perverse incentive” of vertically integrated utilities in other states to make capital expenditures without discretion to raise profits.
Sunrise brief: The role of states in promoting virtual power plants
Also on the rise: Qcells residential solar financing arm closes its first asset backed securities. NYPA prequalifies 79 developers and investors for renewable projects. And more.
What are states doing to make virtual power plants a reality?
With policymakers, utilities, and private enterprise working collaboratively to find solutions that work for a given state’s unique circumstances, we will surely see continued growth of virtual power plants.
Sunrise brief: Opposition stymies solar – sometimes
Also on the rise: Solar and wind powered boat’s final voyage across the sea. Active Surfaces raises $5.6 million to develop ‘solar 2.0’. And more.
Renew Home launches with virtual power plant solution
Through the partnership of Google Nest Renew and OhmConnect, Renew Home, has a goal of expanding from 3 GW of electrical energy use to 50 GW by 2030.
Sunrun to aid California in its electricity imbalance with home solar and battery VPP
Over 16,000 Sunrun customers will supply the grid during peak electricity demand events.
