Several developments in the power sector, including the increasing penetration of smart meters and growth in variable renewable generation, have created an environment conducive to virtual power plants (VPPs).  VPPs combine a rich diversity of independent resources into a network via sophisticated planning, scheduling, and bidding of distributed generation-based services.  According to a new report from Navigant Research, total annual VPP vendor revenue will grow from $1.1 billion in 2014 to $5.3 billion in 2023.

“Virtual power plants represent a prime example of transactive energy, whereby new technologies such as demand response, solar photovoltaic systems, and advanced energy storage enable consumers to take a more active role in managing the energy they use,” says Peter Asmus, principal research analyst with Navigant Research.  “VPPs harness software and IT innovations to achieve the greatest possible profit for asset owners while at the same time maintaining the proper balance of the electricity grid.”

Navigant Research breaks down the VPP market into three primary segments: demand response (DR), supply-side, and mixed asset VPPs.  While supply-side systems are the most straightforward VPPs in concept, according to the report, demand response is the largest commercial VPP segment in the United States.  The ultimate goal is embodied in a mixed asset VPP, which combines distributed generation, demand response, and other resources to provide a synergistic sharing of grid resources to create more value and reduce capital costs.

The report, “Virtual Power Plants”, analyzes the global VPP market, with a focus on three primary segments: DR, supply-side, and mixed asset VPPs.  It provides an analysis of the market issues, including business cases, market drivers, and implementation challenges, associated with VPPs.  Global market forecasts for power capacity and vendor revenue, broken out by segment, region, and scenario, extend through 2023.  The report also examines the key technologies related to VPPs, as well as the competitive landscape.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries.  In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets.  The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Utilities, Smart Transportation, and Smart Buildings sectors.