IRENA-2020新能源商业模式创新前景报告：增强电力系统的灵活性，激励太阳能和风能技术的快速集成（英文）-2020.7-106页_8mb

Summary of the Document on Business Models: Aggregators and Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading

Core Content

This document provides an overview of two innovative business models in the renewable energy sector: aggregators and peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading. It outlines the role, benefits, and implementation requirements of these models, emphasizing their potential to transform the power sector by integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) and enabling more efficient and flexible grid operations.

Main Points

1. Aggregators

• Definition: Aggregators are entities that bundle distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV, batteries, and controllable loads (e.g., electric vehicles, heat pumps) to act as a single virtual power plant (VPP) in power markets.
• Function: They use a central IT system to optimise the operation of DERs, enabling them to participate in both wholesale and retail markets.
• Key Services Provided:
  • Load shifting: Adjusting energy consumption based on price signals to reduce peak demand.
  • Balancing services: Providing ancillary services like frequency regulation and operating reserve capacity to support grid stability.
  • Local flexibility: Offering flexibility services to distribution system operators (DSOs) in local markets.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces the marginal cost of power by optimising resource use.
  • Enables deferred investments in grid infrastructure.
  • Enhances economic returns for DER owners.
  • Supports renewable energy integration and grid stability.
• Case Study: In South Australia, aggregators could meet 20% of daily power demand and save 30% on energy bills for participants. Tesla's proposed VPP is expected to reduce wholesale electricity prices by USD 8/MWh.

2. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Electricity Trading

• Definition: P2P electricity trading allows consumers to directly trade electricity with each other, bypassing traditional utilities.
• Potential Impact:
  • Enables more efficient use of renewable energy by allowing surplus generation to be sold locally.
  • Reduces reliance on centralized power systems.
  • Supports local energy markets and microgrids.
• Enablers:
  • Smart meters and communication infrastructure: Essential for real-time data exchange and monitoring.
  • Blockchain and digital platforms: Facilitate secure, transparent, and decentralised transactions.
  • Regulatory frameworks: Must allow for decentralised trading and set clear rules for market participants.

Key Innovations and Services

• Virtual Power Plant (VPP): A key innovation that aggregates DERs to act as a single entity in the power market.
• Behind-the-meter (BtM) resources: DERs located at the consumer end, such as residential solar and batteries, are crucial for VPP and P2P models.
• Ancillary services: Aggregators provide critical grid support, including frequency regulation, operating reserves, and ramping management.
• Demand-side management: Enables load shifting and reduces grid strain by adjusting consumption patterns.

Key Enabling Factors

• Regulatory Framework:
  • Allow aggregators and P2P platforms to participate in both wholesale and retail markets.
  • Enable decentralised sources to provide grid services.
  • Establish clear price signals and mandate smart meter installation.
• Smart Metering & Communication Infrastructure:
  • Real-time data acquisition is essential for VPP operation.
  • Broadband and interoperable communication protocols support coordination among system operators, DSOs, and prosumers.
• Accurate Forecasting:
  • Weather and load forecasting tools are critical for optimising the dispatch of DERs.
  • Enables better visibility of demand-side variations and improves system flexibility.

Current Status and Examples

• Global Market Value: The VPP market was valued at USD 762 million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 4,597 million by 2023 (CAGR of 25.9%).
• Leading Aggregators:
  • AGL (Australia): A VPP using behind-the-meter batteries to reduce consumer costs and improve grid stability.
  • Eneco CrowdNett (Netherlands): Aggregates home batteries and offers grid services with consumer incentives.
  • Emsys (Germany): Supports VPPs with real-time data management, remote control, and ancillary services.
  • Next Kraftwerke (Europe): Operates a VPP with over 4,500 MW of capacity, providing ancillary services across Europe.
  • Stem (United States): Uses AI for energy storage optimisation, reducing demand and costs for commercial consumers.
• P2P Examples: While not detailed in this brief, the document highlights the growing interest in P2P trading as a complement to aggregators, particularly in regions with high renewable penetration.

Implementation Checklist

Conclusion

Aggregators and peer-to-peer electricity trading represent transformative innovations in the renewable energy landscape. By leveraging digital technologies, smart infrastructure, and supportive regulatory frameworks, these models can enhance grid flexibility, reduce costs, and promote sustainable energy use. They are key to integrating high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE) into power systems and support the transition towards a more decentralised, efficient, and resilient energy future.