Environmental benefits of Virtual Power Plants
Virtual Power Plants or VPPs are new, ground-breaking technologies changing the way energy is used and shared in Australia. By connecting various energy sources, including rooftop solar and battery systems, VPPs help support energy reliability and pave the way for a greener future.
Less energy wastage: VPPs optimise the use of energy resources with clever algorithms to predict and manage energy consumption and times of peak demand. This enables the network to better align with real-time demand, and utilise energy more efficiently, minimising waste and reducing the need for excess power generation.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Historically, Australia’s electricity generation has been driven largely by coal-fired power sources. However, renewable energy sources, most notably the 3.7 million rooftop solar installations around the country, are pushing cleaner, greener energy into the grid and reducing the need for coal plant generation. With more renewable energy sources integrated into the grid, VPPs help manage energy supply and demand away from times when the grid would traditionally rely on high-emission sources. Through clever energy management, VPPs serve to lower CO2 emissions and lessen the impact on the environment.
Support for electrification: The call for all-electric homes is gaining momentum in Australia with various government rebates available to homeowners to make the shift. As an example, the Victorian government increased energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars in 2022. More recently, as part of the reforms under Gas Substitution Roadmap, from 1 January 2024 new homes requiring a planning permit are required to be all-electric. Coupled with VPPs, household electrification will reduce carbon emissions and create a more affordable, cleaner way of living.
Reduced pollution and improving health benefits: Mining for coal can have significant environmental and health impacts. In some instances, mine activity can release small particles of dust into the air, known as particulate matter (PM), which can have short and long-term health impacts. Reducing the reliance on coal for energy generation and using cutting-edge VPP technologies to draw more renewables into the grid, will not only decrease environmental pollution, but also help to improve the health of the communities in and around coal mining areas.
If you have a home solar and battery system installed at your home, learn more about the benefits of joining a VPP here.
Contact Nectr at vpp.sales@nectr.com.au to find out more about their VPP offers or to speak with Nectr’s VPP experts to get started.
