Market Overview
A Virtual Power Plant is a decentralized cluster of small-scale power generating units that collectively act as a single power plant. It is an energy aggregator that gathers a portfolio of smaller generators and uses them as a combined flexible resource for power generation. The objective of a virtual power plant is to minimize the load on the grid by distributing the power generated by the individual units. It is also beneficial for maximizing the owner’s profit.
According to MarkNtel Advisors’ research report, “Global Virtual Power Plant Market Analysis, 2021,” the market is likely to grow at a CAGR of around 27% during 2021-26. The rising integration of renewable energy in the power generation mix, a paradigm shift from distributed generation toward centralized generation decreasing the overall carbon footing, and a slump in the cost of solar generation and energy storage are some of the driving factors influencing the growth of the Global Virtual Power Plant market.
Moreover, the launch of new VPPs by the key companies for the industrial & commercial sectors is also likely to propel the demand for VPP in the forthcoming years. For instance, ABB launched OPTIMAX for Industrials and Commercials and Virtual Power Plants in 2018, enabling industrial, commercial, and power generation companies to reduce energy costs & site emissions by optimizing the aggregation and dispatch of energy sources.
| Report Coverage | Details |
| Study Period | Historical Data: 2016-20 |
| Base Year: 2020 | |
| Forecast Period: 2021-26 | |
| CAGR (2021-26) | 27% |
| Regions Covered | North America: USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Denmark | |
| Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia | |
| South America: Brazil, Argentina | |
| Middle East & Africa: UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa | |
| Key Companies Profiled | ABB Ltd, AutoGrid Systems, Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Inc., CISCO Systems Inc., Enbala Power Networks Inc., Enel X North America Inc., General Electric, Itron Inc., Schneider Electric, Tesla Inc., etc. |
| Unit Denominations | USD Million/Billion |
COVID-19 pandemic Negatively Impacted the Market growth
The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the entire global economy and has disrupted numerous businesses in various countries. Due to the imposition of lockdown across the globe, investments in energy grid projects declined. Also, the pandemic led to the decline in the electricity prices for most of the networks. However, power generation through renewable resources remained unchanged. As the lockdown got lifted, the government has started to reconsider its focus on renewable energy sources. Therefore, the market is likely to boost owing to the surge in investments to develop energy infrastructure.
Market Segmentation
Industrial Accounted for the Largest Market Share
Based on the End-User, the market bifurcates into Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sectors. The industrial sector captured a significant market share in the Global Virtual Power Plant market in the previous few years. The escalating demand for energy from the power industry worldwide, an inclination of industries toward renewable energy, the proliferation of industries & municipalities generating their power, and active trading in electricity markets are the prime factors fueling the overall segment growth, cites MarkNtel Advisors in their research report, “Global Virtual Power Plant Market Analysis, 2021.”
Distributed Energy Generation System Dominated the Market
Based on the Source, the market segments into Distributed Energy Generation System and Energy Storage System. The Distributed Energy Generation System acquired the largest market share in the Global Virtual Power Plant market in the previous few years. Distributed Energy Generation System refers to the technology, which is beneficial for generating electricity at or near the place where it will be used, like combined heat & power and solar panels. The segment growth owes primarily to using renewable sources, such as solar energy, which is a cost-effective technology. In addition to this, Distributed Energy Generation System provides electricity during power outages. Hence, it is the highly preferred source.
Regional Landscape
Europe Attained the Highest Market Share
Geographically, Europe held the largest market share in the Global Virtual Power Plant market in the previous few years due to the abundant presence of leading market players and rising government focus on 100% green energy. In addition to this, mounting investments in renewable energy sources and energy storage systems are other critical aspects propelling the market growth in Europe.
Market Driver
Surging Usage of Renewable Energy in the Power Generation
Renewable energy sources are the naturally occurring source of energy that can be well-replenished. They help minimize greenhouse gas emissions. However, renewable energy technology is more expensive than fossil fuel-based power generation. But, due to rising environmental concerns and surging awareness regarding the benefits of using renewable sources, the usage of renewable energy in power generation is significantly increasing.
Market Challenge
Cybersecurity threat in Virtual Power Plant
The virtual power plants help analyze, optimize, and fill the gap between demand & supply of energy. But, it also faces challenges associated with data protection and information privacy. Additionally, technological advancements have increased the threat of cybercriminals that could attack the energy sector.
Competitive Landscape
According to MarkNtel Advisors, the leading players in the global Virtual Power Plant market are ABB Ltd, AutoGrid Systems, Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Inc., CISCO Systems Inc., Enbala Power Networks Inc., Enel X North America Inc., General Electric, Itron Inc., Hitachi Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Next Kraftwerke, Siemens AG, Schneider Electric, and Tesla Inc.
Key Questions Answered in the Market Research Report:
Market Outlook, Segmentation and Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The Global Virtual Power Plant Market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 27% during 2021-26.
A. ABB Ltd, AutoGrid Systems, Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Inc., CISCO Systems Inc., Enbala Power Networks Inc., Enel X North America Inc., General Electric, Itron Inc., Hitachi Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Next Kraftwerke, Siemens AG, Schneider Electric, Tesla Inc. are a few of the leading players in the Global Virtual Power Plant Market.
A. Industrial Sector is likely to attain the highest CAGR during the forecast period and maintain its significant market share.
A. Europe continues to grow at the highest CAGR during 2021-26, thereby presenting immense opportunities to market players of the Global Virtual Power Plant Market.
A. The rising integration of renewable energy in the power generation mix, a paradigm shift from distributed generation toward centralized generation decreasing the overall carbon footing, and a slump in the cost of solar generation and energy storage are some of the driving factors influencing the growth of the Global Virtual Power Plant market.
