Core Viewpoint - The recent policy upgrade for virtual power plants in Shanghai's Lingang New Area marks a significant step towards market-oriented operations, enhancing the commercial viability of virtual power plants and promoting demand-side management in the energy transition [1][4][8]. Policy Changes - The implementation of the "Precise Response Implementation Plan for Virtual Power Plants (2025 Edition)" aims to achieve a demand-side peak-shaving capacity of 30 MW by 2025, building on the previous trial version from 2023 [1]. - The revised policy increases subsidy incentives significantly, with annual subsidies for second-level response resources raised by 33% to 40,000 yuan/MW, and additional capacity incentives for top-performing operators [1][2]. - New incentives for reactive power response have been introduced, offering 0.08 to 0.13 yuan/kWh [2]. Commercial Model Breakthrough - The new regulations allow virtual power plants to operate as independent entities in the electricity market, participating in long-term contracts, ancillary services, and spot markets, moving away from a reliance on single subsidies [4]. - The policy supports technologies like electrochemical energy storage and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid), which further reduce operational costs for related projects [4]. Management and Operational Framework - A three-tier management structure is established, with the Lingang Virtual Power Plant Management Center overseeing operations, resource scheduling, and settlement, ensuring efficient resource integration [6]. - Strict assessment mechanisms are in place, where operators failing to meet performance standards face mandatory corrections, enhancing system reliability and market credibility [4][6]. Industry Implications - The upgrade of the Lingang policy not only enhances the commercial feasibility of virtual power plants but also signifies a market maturation phase, balancing increased subsidies with stricter assessments [8]. - The integration of technologies like electrochemical storage and V2G, along with active participation from companies like Yuanli Energy, is expected to optimize the utilization of decentralized user-side resources, contributing significantly to grid flexibility and carbon neutrality goals [8].