“看不见的电厂”顶住夏季用电高峰

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and significance of virtual power plants (VPPs) in China, highlighting their ability to manage distributed energy resources and address peak electricity demand without the need for traditional power generation infrastructure [1][3][4]. Group 1: Virtual Power Plant Overview - A virtual power plant is a smart energy management system that aggregates distributed energy resources such as solar, storage, and controllable loads to create a unified electricity regulation pool [1]. - As of now, China's operational virtual power plants have a total regulation capacity exceeding 35 million kilowatts, equivalent to the installed capacity of 1.5 Three Gorges power stations, with a target to surpass 50 million kilowatts in the next five years [2]. Group 2: Economic and Environmental Benefits - The rise of virtual power plants addresses the increasing demand for electricity in China, which has surged significantly, with energy consumption growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period reaching 1.5 times that of the previous five years [3]. - Traditional power plants are slow to respond and costly, while virtual power plants can quickly adjust resources to ensure stable electricity supply during peak demand, thus serving as a "savior" for electricity shortages [3][4]. - Building a large coal or gas power plant requires an investment of tens to hundreds of billions, while virtual power plants can meet peak electricity needs with an investment of only 50 to 60 billion yuan, significantly reducing costs and meeting environmental standards [4]. Group 3: Policy Support and Investment Potential - The demand for flexible and adjustable resources in the new power system has been bolstered by supportive policies, including guidelines from the National Energy Administration encouraging the aggregation of distributed resources [5][6]. - By 2025, the investment market for virtual power plants in China is expected to exceed 30 billion yuan, with annual investments ranging from 10.5 billion to 20 billion yuan [7]. Group 4: Current Developments and Challenges - Despite the late start of virtual power plants in China compared to countries like the U.S. and Germany, various provinces are launching demonstration projects to establish commercial models [8]. - Shanghai has seen significant advancements, with its virtual power plant management center connecting 49 operators and achieving a substantial increase in adjustable capacity [8]. - The establishment of the Virtual Power Plant Professional Committee aims to promote collaboration across the industry and enhance standardization and scalability [9].