Grid and market related integration of renewable generation under consideration of virtual power plants

A rapidly increasing share of renewable energy resources (RES) poses enormous challenges with respect to a market and grid integration in Germany. Whereas market related integration is encouraged through additional incentives, grid conformity is realized by means of requirements on voltage and frequency support required for RES and decentralized generation (DG). Nevertheless, grid restrictions significantly limit integration and operation of RES. Virtual power plants (VPP) - aggregation of complementary controllable and passive generation technologies - provide the capability to achieve a more efficient grid integration of RES by adapting schedules and compensating fluctuations. However, it is not yet understood, which benefits arise for plant and grid operators. Consequently, this paper examines the technical, economic and ecological benefits from grid conform operation of a VPP including RES. Three exemplary cases illustrate the effect resulting from a coordinated operation of VPP and its potential to facilitate and optimize integration of RES in electricity grids.