Siemens and RWE build next-generation virtual power plant
Today’s virtual power plants already transmit their electricity from software-bundled, distributed power generating facilities to the energy markets. But a cost-effective, mass-market solution for integrating producers, consumers and storage units does not yet exist. Siemens and RWE are tackling this challenge with the RWE Smartpool project, in which they are jointly building the next generation of an IT system for connecting a large number of distributed energy resources. In doing so, they are bundling distributed energy resources on a future-oriented technology platform.
The two partners want to expand the successful collaboration they’ve had in recent years with a new cooperation agreement aimed at generating interest for the RWE Smartpool project among new market participants, such as utilities and grid operators, and convincing them to use this new platform. The new system will significantly increase performance by bundling a large number of distributed energy resources. It will also expand the ways in which distribution grid operators can integrate distributed power generating facilities – and, in particular, renewable energy sources – for example to further optimize grid stability as the requirements become increasingly more complex.
In the RWE Smartpool project, RWE will use Siemens technology to build a system that makes it possible to connect a large number of parties in distributed energy resources, such as generators, consumers (loads) and storage units, to the IT system in a way that is both suitable for the mass market and can handle multiple clients. This new technology platform will be built as an energy information and control system and will provide, among other things, important functions for distribution grid operators against the backdrop of the energy transition to the new energy mix. In the future, RWE Smartpool is also expected to support the structuring between market participants and the grid in line with the traffic light concept of the BDEW industry association.
Dr. Joachim Schneider, CTO of RWE Deutschland AG, welcomes the cooperation with Siemens. “Many innovative steps must be taken in order to successfully manage the energy transition to the new energy mix. By collaborating with Siemens, we will be able to significantly expand the benefits of new IT technology systems and thus provide customers and grid operators with efficient solutions for their business.” As a result, public works and grid operators will be able to use RWE Smartpool to optimize the marketing of what are frequently small amounts of locally generated electricity.
Siemens will license its DEMS decentralized energy management system for the project. The system is based on EnergyIP, Siemens’ highly scalable platform for smart grid applications. “With this technologically leading system, RWE will be well equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly digitalized energy world,” said Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of the Digital Grid Business Unit within the Siemens Energy Management Division
