15 Topics
10 Days
75 Sessions
Programme Overview
Training Description
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for;
- Utility and Grid Operators
- Renewable Energy Project Developers
- Energy Market Analysts
- Energy Service Companies (ESCOs)
- Data Scientists and AI Specialists
- Smart Grid Planners
- Technology and Innovation Leaders
- Policymakers and Regulators
- Financial Analysts and Investors
- Students in Energy and Engineering
Session Objectives
- Master the core principles of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) aggregation.
- Learn about the key components of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
- Understand the various grid services that can be provided by aggregated DERs.
- Grasp the complexities of market participation and revenue streams.
- Develop proficiency in using data and analytics for VPP optimization.
- Explore best practices for integrating different DER technologies.
- Learn about robust approaches to cybersecurity for VPPs.
- Identify the critical legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Develop skills in building a business case for DER aggregation.
- Formulate strategies for scaling an aggregation business.
About the Course
The modern power grid is evolving from a centralized system to a decentralized network, with millions of homeowners and businesses generating their own power from solar panels, storing it in batteries, and managing their energy use with smart devices. To harness the collective power of these distributed energy resources (DERs), aggregation is essential. By pooling these small assets together, they can function as a single, large-scale resource, providing critical grid services like demand response, frequency regulation, and voltage support. This new model of energy management is key to unlocking a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable power system.
This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the principles and techniques for aggregating distributed energy resources. Participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how to design a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), navigate complex energy markets, and develop new business models that monetize DERs. The course covers everything from the technical challenges of real-time control and communication to the regulatory and market frameworks that enable aggregation. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to tackle the complexities of this evolving field and lead the charge in creating the grid of the future.
Curriculum & Topics
15 Topics | 75 Sessions
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Workshop 1.1:
The rise of distributed energy resources
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Workshop 1.2:
The impact on the traditional power grid
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Workshop 1.3:
The need for aggregation and coordination
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Workshop 1.4:
The concept of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
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Workshop 1.5:
The role of a VPP in the energy transition
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Workshop 2.1:
An overview of solar PV and battery storage
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Workshop 2.2:
The role of electric vehicles and smart charging
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Workshop 2.3:
Demand response and energy efficiency
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Workshop 2.4:
The importance of a clear and focused research question
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Workshop 2.5:
Integration with other clean technologies
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Workshop 3.1:
The architecture of a VPP
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Workshop 3.2:
The core components: DERs, a central management system, and communication
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Workshop 3.3:
The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Workshop 3.4:
The difference between a VPP and a microgrid
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Workshop 3.5:
Real-time control and dispatch
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Workshop 4.1:
The concept of ancillary services
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Workshop 4.2:
Frequency regulation and voltage support
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Workshop 4.3:
The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Workshop 4.4:
Capacity and peak demand management
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Workshop 4.5:
The role of a VPP in black start services
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Workshop 5.1:
The software and hardware for aggregation
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Workshop 5.2:
The role of a "data story map"
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Workshop 5.3:
Communication protocols and standards (e.g., OpenADR)
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Workshop 5.4:
The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Workshop 5.5:
Data management and security
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Workshop 6.1:
The revenue streams for a VPP
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Workshop 6.2:
The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Workshop 6.3:
Participation in wholesale energy markets
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Workshop 6.4:
The role of a clear and compelling KPI
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Workshop 6.5:
The business case for DER aggregation
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Workshop 7.1:
Using data to forecast DER availability and demand
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Workshop 7.2:
The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Workshop 7.3:
The use of machine learning for optimization
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Workshop 7.4:
The importance of a clear and focused research question
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Workshop 7.5:
Predictive maintenance for DERs
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Workshop 8.1:
The importance of a common communication standard
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Workshop 8.2:
The role of a "data story map"
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Workshop 8.3:
Interoperability challenges between different vendors
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Workshop 8.4:
The role of a "program's theory of change"
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Workshop 8.5:
The future of open-source protocols
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Workshop 9.1:
The role of government policy in enabling aggregation
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Workshop 9.2:
The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Workshop 9.3:
Regulatory frameworks for VPP participation
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Workshop 9.4:
The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
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Workshop 9.5:
The evolution of market rules
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Workshop 10.1:
The unique security vulnerabilities of VPPs
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Workshop 10.2:
Securing the communication network
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Workshop 10.3:
The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Workshop 10.4:
Protecting the central management system
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Workshop 10.5:
Best practices for a secure VPP ecosystem
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Workshop 11.1:
Case study: A successful VPP in a residential community
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Workshop 11.2:
Case study: An industrial VPP for demand response
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Workshop 11.3:
Case study: A VPP for grid stability
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Workshop 11.4:
Lessons learned from global projects
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Workshop 11.5:
The future of VPPs
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Workshop 12.1:
The lifecycle of a DER aggregation project
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Workshop 12.2:
Managing a team and a budget
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Workshop 12.3:
The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Workshop 12.4:
The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Workshop 12.5:
The use of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Workshop 13.1:
The financial components of a DER aggregation project
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Workshop 13.2:
The importance of a "data story map"
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Workshop 13.3:
The role of a program's theory of change
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Workshop 13.4:
Return on Investment (ROI) and payback period
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Workshop 13.5:
The financial viability of different business models
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Workshop 14.1:
The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Workshop 14.2:
The role of a clear and compelling KPI
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Workshop 14.3:
The business case for homeowners and businesses
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Workshop 14.4:
Customer onboarding and management
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Workshop 14.5:
The importance of a clear and focused research question
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Workshop 15.1:
The role of blockchain and DLT
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Workshop 15.2:
The impact of EVs on VPPs
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Workshop 15.3:
The future of peer-to-peer energy trading
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Workshop 15.4:
The evolution of energy markets
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Workshop 15.5:
The role of aggregation in a decarbonized grid
