The Netherlands – Eneco is set to pioneer the use of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in the Netherlands with its innovative Myriad platform.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to link Eneco’s extensive network of wind farms, solar parks, batteries, and other sustainable assets, creating a large-scale VPP that will optimize grid balance and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
As the transition to a sustainable energy system gains momentum, the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power presents challenges in maintaining a stable electricity grid. Traditional power plants fueled by gas and coal are still required to compensate for the intermittency of renewable energy generation. Conversely, there are instances when surplus renewable electricity is produced with no immediate demand.
Myriad VPP
The Myriad VPP addresses these challenges by aggregating and controlling every sustainable asset within Eneco’s portfolio through intelligent software. With the ability to rapidly activate or deactivate assets, Myriad offers flexibility to balance the Dutch electricity grid in real-time. For instance, households can connect their charging stations to Myriad, enabling the VPP to utilize excess sustainable electricity to charge electric vehicles or heat electric boilers. This optimizes grid capacity utilization and enhances efficiency.
Conversely, Myriad can also feed electricity from electric vehicle batteries back into the grid during periods of power shortage. However, this can only occur with the explicit consent of the customer. The VPP can connect thousands of local sustainable assets, ranging from wind and solar farms to batteries and electric boilers. By intelligently managing the supply and demand of sustainable energy, Myriad reduces reliance on fossil fuels during low supply periods and alleviates grid congestion during high supply periods.
More sustainable energy system
The integration of assets into the VPP not only contributes to a more sustainable energy system but also offers financial benefits. Customers participating in vehicle-to-grid technology, where electricity from electric cars is fed back to the grid, and owners of batteries can receive compensation for supplying electricity. This incentivizes individuals and companies to actively support the transition to a greener energy landscape.
Eneco’s Myriad plays a pivotal role in the company’s strategy to become climate neutral by 2035 and emphasizes its commitment to integration. The platform allows for the rapid connection of new assets, including those from third-party sources, showcasing Eneco’s drive to become a digital energy company. By combining the capabilities of Myriad with its trading floor, Eneco maximizes the value of asset flexibility, effectively integrating the supply and demand of sustainably generated electricity.
The implementation of the Myriad VPP by Eneco sets a new benchmark for the Netherlands, opening doors to increased renewable energy utilization, enhanced grid stability, and a more sustainable energy future.
