Shang Hai Zheng Quan Bao·2026-02-02 18:55Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing importance and functionality of virtual power plants in Shanghai, particularly during peak electricity demand periods caused by cold weather, highlighting their role in balancing supply and demand while providing economic benefits to participating companies [1][2]. Group 1: Virtual Power Plant Functionality - Virtual power plants aggregate distributed energy resources such as solar, storage, and adjustable loads to achieve coordinated control, enabling functions like generation, peak shaving, and frequency regulation [1][2]. - The system developed by China Mobile Shanghai Industrial Research Institute and Zhejiang Datang allows for intelligent scheduling of dispersed industrial power loads and storage, significantly enhancing the efficiency of electricity management [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The integration of AI and 5G technologies has accelerated the development of virtual power plants, enabling Shanghai to achieve a power dispatch capacity equivalent to a medium-sized physical power plant during the summer of 2025 [2][3]. - An AI-driven prediction algorithm has been developed to improve load forecasting accuracy, achieving a real-time prediction error of less than 3% and a long-term market price prediction accuracy exceeding 85% [3]. Group 3: Economic Impact on Participating Companies - Companies participating in the virtual power plant model have transitioned from a passive electricity usage model to an active profit-generating model, receiving subsidies and reducing electricity costs [3][4]. - The virtual power plant has expanded its network to cover multiple regions, attracting over 80 industrial enterprises, which enhances the overall stability and efficiency of the electricity grid [3][4]. Group 4: Future Development and Recommendations - Experts suggest further integration of AI, digital twin technology, and edge computing to enhance load forecasting precision and decision-making speed within virtual power plants [4]. - There is a call for the establishment of a collaborative intelligent control architecture and increased support for technological innovation to foster a win-win industrial ecosystem [4]. Group 5: Overall Contribution to Energy Transition - The virtual power plant is seen as a crucial element in supporting energy transition and ensuring stable urban operations, contributing significantly to the invisible dynamics of electricity supply in Shanghai [5].