In the context of the acceleration of the global energy transition, the application of new energy technologies has attracted increasing attention. China's first million-kilowatt residential virtual power plant started construction in Jiangsu, planning to release 9 million kilowatts of electric energy reserves, providing a breakthrough solution for the efficient consumption of new energy. This project not only demonstrates China's technological strength in the field of energy digitalization and intelligence, but also provides a model for other regions and even the global energy transition.
Ⅰ Virtual power plant: the core driver of smart energy
1. Resource aggregation: Optimize the coordination ability of distributed energy resources
A virtual power plant is a system that uses advanced information and communication technology to manage distributed energy resources, energy storage facilities, and demand-side response resources in a unified manner. In the Jiangsu project, about 7 million residential smart electrical appliances have become a key component. These devices can adjust the power in real time according to the load of the grid and the status of new energy generation, so as to achieve the dynamic balance of power resources. For example, during the peak period of photovoltaic power generation, the virtual power plant guides some residential appliances to reduce power consumption or store excess electricity; During the peak period of electricity consumption, energy storage equipment is quickly mobilized to meet demand. This two-way regulation mode significantly enhances the carrying capacity of the power grid for new energy.
2. Intelligent scheduling: Improve energy efficiency
Relying on big data and artificial intelligence technology, Jiangsu virtual power plant realizes real-time collection and optimal scheduling of electricity consumption data. Starting from the summer of 2024, Jiangsu Power Grid has attracted more than 1 million households to participate in the pilot, and the power generated in a single peak has reached 500,000 kilowatts, effectively alleviating the power shortage. This intelligent dispatching mode not only reduces the curtailment rate of wind and solar power, but also improves the flexibility of power grid operation, injecting scientific and technological momentum into energy management.
Figure: Schematic diagram of the working principle of the virtual power plant (picture from the Internet)
Ⅱ Multiple benefits of virtual power plants in Jiangsu
1. Provide a broad space for the consumption of new energy
The volatility and intermittency of new energy sources is a common problem faced by the global energy sector. By the end of October 2024, the installed capacity of new energy in Jiangsu Province has surpassed coal power for the first time and become the main local power source. By smoothing out the fluctuation of electricity load, virtual power plants provide a reliable consumption channel for renewable energy and significantly reduce the demand for traditional thermal power peak shaving, laying the foundation for energy transition.
2. Cooperate with traditional energy sources to build a stable supply network
Through demand-side management and resource integration, virtual power plants effectively bridge the gap between new energy sources and traditional energy sources. When the supply of new energy is insufficient, the virtual power plant can quickly mobilize traditional energy power generation equipment to ensure a stable power supply. When there is a surplus of new energy, the excess power will be guided into energy storage equipment or high-energy-consuming fields. This collaborative development model has greatly improved the stability and reliability of the energy system.
3. Reduce system costs and environmental impact
Virtual power plants effectively reduce the operating costs of the grid by reducing the dependence on thermal power units. According to Jiangsu Electric Power, since the start of the project, the cost savings due to optimized resource dispatch have accounted for about 15% of the total power generation expenditure. At the same time, the promotion of virtual power plants also reduces the use of traditional fossil energy and helps achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.
Ⅲ Innovation and Prospects: The Global Significance of Virtual Power Plants
1. Benchmarking effect: two-way improvement of technology and management
The construction of virtual power plants in Jiangsu provides practical experience for the development of virtual power plants in China and even in the world. From the intelligent management of residential electrical equipment to the optimization of the overall flexibility of the power grid, the Jiangsu model has successfully verified the technical feasibility and economy, and also provided a scientific basis for the promotion of similar projects.
2. Promote the reform of energy marketization
As an emerging entity in the energy market, virtual power plants participate in the power trading and ancillary services market, injecting vitality into the traditional energy market. For example, virtual power plants can obtain additional benefits by responding to the demand for power peak shaving, and gradually explore in-depth cooperation with distributed photovoltaics, energy storage sharing and other models. The introduction of this new business model will further stimulate innovation in the energy industry.
3. Expand multi-scenario applications and build a smart energy ecosystem
In the future, with the popularization of technologies such as 5G, Internet of Things, and blockchain, virtual power plants will achieve deep integration in more fields. For example, energy management in industrial parks, optimization of electric vehicle charging and discharging in transportation systems, and dynamic energy distribution in commercial buildings. In particular, in terms of vehicle-to-network interaction, the virtual power plant will become the core management platform for electric vehicle charging piles, promoting the low-carbon transformation of the transportation sector.
Ⅳ The "China Solution" for the Global Energy Transition
The Jiangsu virtual power plant project is not only an important milestone in the development of energy technology in China, but also a useful exploration of new energy consumption on a global scale. By aggregating distributed resources and innovating management models, the project provides important ideas for building a clean and efficient energy system. Under the guidance of the "dual carbon" goal, the widespread promotion of virtual power plants will have a far-reaching impact on the global energy landscape.
Ⅴ Conclusion
The rise of virtual power plants marks that China's energy transition has entered a new stage of intelligence and digitalization. The practical results represented by the Jiangsu project not only show the broad prospects of energy technology, but also provide a reference template for the efficient use of new energy in the world. In the future, with the continuous iteration of virtual power plant technology and the gradual improvement of market mechanism, this innovative model will surely contribute more "Chinese wisdom" to the global energy transition.
