More than 70% of the Sustainability and Energy Managers we engage with share a common concern: the increasing focus on green energy and decarbonisation in their organisations. Unfortunately, the limitations of time, resources, and budgets often stand in their way. If you’re grappling with these challenges, rest assured that you’re not navigating them alone.
An exciting concept is gaining momentum – one that empowers sustainability teams to address their Scope 2 & 3 goals while tapping into an often-overlooked resource: their building assets. This innovative approach has the potential to reshape the energy landscape by harnessing these assets to create Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).
What is a Virtual Power Plant?
At its core, a Virtual Power Plant is a network of decentralised energy sources that function as a unified entity. Imagine every property in a city, or building in an industrial cluster, each with its own solar panel installation, battery storage, or other energy resource. Now, envision these individual units interconnected and communicating seamlessly in real-time. This aggregated energy can be traded, shared, or stored based on real-time needs and market prices.
The Relevance of VPPs to Businesses
For property owners and managers, this creates opportunity. An effectively managed VPP can transform an ordinary building or a complex into an active participant in the energy market. Rather than being passive consumers, properties become agile energy assets.
- Internal Power Trading: By harnessing a VPP, properties with varying energy demands and generation capabilities can trade power internally. This internal power market can result in a more efficient energy ecosystem, bringing down costs and emissions and maximising value.
- Reduced Energy Costs: With the ability to draw power from other assets at any given time, VPPs can lead to substantial cost savings. Instead of relying on expensive grid power during peak hours, a building in a VPP network can draw stored solar energy from another property.
- Enhanced Asset Value: Integrating a VPP system can enhance the valuation of a property. Modern tenants and property buyers recognise the value of sustainability and smart energy management. With a VPP, properties aren’t just places to live or work; they’re active participants in a modern energy landscape.
- Access to Balancing Markets: Properties within a VPP can actively participate in grid-balancing markets. By aiding in grid stabilisation during peak demand periods, your property can receive financial incentives, turning energy optimisation into tangible financial benefits.
So What’s Next?
As our energy grids continue to evolve, the opportunities for businesses to tap into these advancements grow. Virtual Power Plants represent one of the most promising developments in this sector, providing clear financial incentives and strengthening community ties. For asset owners and managers, now is the perfect time to explore the potential of VPPs in the modern real estate landscape.
If you are wondering whether your business or organisation qualifies for this game changing technology, come and speak with us.
At PowerMarket, our mission is to guide you through this journey, ensuring that your properties are primed to maximise their energy potential. Take the step towards the future of energy management. Reach out to us today to explore how a VPP can revolutionise your property’s energy landscape.
