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Energy is the basic prerequisite of any industry, but global warming, climate change, and pollution are increasing due to digitization and industrialization. Rising electricity demand, combined with the integration of electric vehicles, has made it increasingly challenging to rely solely on conventional centralized power systems. To meet this current changing energy scenario, it becomes essential to introduce green energy into conventional power systems and allow bi-directional energy flow. Microgrids, smart grids, and virtual power plants will play an important role in making this massive shift from a centralized system to a decentralized power system. A virtual power plant is a cloud-based energy system incorporating various microgrids, energy storage, distributed energy resources, and weather forecasting. Since this system is virtual, it could lead to cyber threats. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review article complies with recent data from ten major research libraries, offering consolidated insights into the virtual power plant (VPP) framework that will enhance customer participation and encourage them to become prosumers. Additionally, a blockchain-based VPP framework is presented along with two very prominent scenarios of blockchain-based distributed VPP involving P2P transactions and NW trading discussed for building futuristic NZEGs aimed at reducing carbon footprints and providing a foundation for future net-zero energy grids (NZEZs).
Article Highlights
Issues to ever rising electricity demand, which has necessitated a shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Surmounting these challenges, microgrids, smart grids, augmented with virtual power plants (VPPs) are gaining prominence as significant components of a decentralized power system.
In accession, a detailed insight is provided based on Blockchain enabled VPP for security and Energy management, various frameworks encouraging the minimisation of Carbon foot print of nation through Net zero Energy grids.
Details
Energy management;
Global warming;
Communication;
Sustainable energy;
Green energy;
Energy sources;
Systems stability;
Energy storage;
Renewable energy;
Energy resources;
Electricity;
Carbon;
Energy flow;
Climate change;
Industrial plant emissions;
Internet of Things;
Electric power systems;
Power plants;
Electric vehicles;
Renewable resources;
Alternative energy sources;
Demand side management;
Smart meters;
Net zero;
Carbon footprint;
Software;
Distributed generation;
Emissions;
Blockchain;
Virtual power plants;
Clean energy;
Electric power grids;
Smart grid;
Electric power generation;
Consumers;
Energy industry;
Cloud computing;
Sensors;
Communications technology;
Electric power demand;
Cybersecurity