Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-08-06 01:11Core Viewpoint - The virtual power plant (VPP) is emerging as a new operational model in the energy sector, significantly enhancing power supply security and promoting renewable energy consumption. The industry is transitioning from an invitation-based model to a market-oriented approach, with government targets set for 2027 and 2030 to increase regulation capacity to 20 million kilowatts and over 50 million kilowatts, respectively [1][11][25]. Industry Overview - Virtual power plants aggregate distributed energy resources, adjustable loads, and storage systems, acting as new operational entities that participate in power system optimization and market transactions [2]. - The development of virtual power plants is supported by a comprehensive policy framework established by the government, which includes various action plans and guidelines aimed at fostering innovation and market mechanisms [8][11]. Development Background - The rapid growth of renewable energy in China, particularly in solar and wind power, has created a pressing need for flexible power management solutions. Virtual power plants can significantly reduce the need for redundant capacity by providing flexible load adjustments [13][15]. - The construction cost of virtual power plants is only one-eighth that of traditional coal-fired power plants, making them a cost-effective solution for peak load management [15]. Current Status - The virtual power plant industry in China has established a complete industrial chain, encompassing resource aggregation, platform operation, and market trading. Key regions include Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, where pilot projects are actively being developed [17][19]. - The commercial model is evolving from a single demand response approach to a diversified model that includes power trading and carbon services [19]. Competitive Landscape - The industry features a diverse competitive landscape with participation from state-owned enterprises, private companies, and technology firms. Major players include State Grid, Huaneng Group, and Guodian NARI, which leverage their resources and infrastructure to dominate the market [23]. - Private companies like Guoneng Rixin and Teruid focus on technological innovation and niche markets, while tech giants such as Huawei and Tencent are entering the sector with advanced digital technologies [23]. Future Trends - The virtual power plant industry is expected to experience accelerated growth driven by policy support and market mechanisms, with projections indicating a market size exceeding 10.2 billion yuan by 2025 and surpassing 100 billion yuan by 2030 [25][26]. - Technological advancements in AI, 5G, and blockchain will enhance operational efficiency and real-time responsiveness, transforming virtual power plants into intelligent energy management systems [27]. - The integration of virtual power plants with other sectors, such as transportation and building management, will create new business models and expand the ecosystem [28].