ON THE INTEREST OF THE VIRTUAL POWER PLANT CONCEPT IN THE

SUMMARY The multiplicity of distributed energy resources within the distribution networks may represent a major problem for the system. Considering their small size and their potential great number, these sources are not always visible and dispatchable. These two functions are nevertheless essential for the system safety as soon as these sources are no more marginal. In addition, a part of this production may be mostly of "intermittent / renewable" type (wind, photovoltaic panels). The output power for this type of production cannot be completely guaranteed in spite of the recent progress in predictions methods. To solve this problem, one of the advanced concepts consists of an aggregation of these small resources (combined if necessary with certain loads) in a virtual production unit, which we call “Virtual Power Plant”. On this basis, we can plan to solve the problems of intermittency. The challenge is then to develop a strategy for optimal operation of the virtual power plant, based on the use of the modern transmission techniques and information technology. Seen from the grid, the development of DER raises also new problems. But considering the proximity between these DERs and the load, they can also offer new services to the grid. Thus, a win-win approach can be defined. In this perspective, the VPP concept appears to be an interesting solution to aggregate services and guarantee them. The paper presents three aspect of the development of VPP concept: • The problem of optimal control of the DER including intermittent sources. • The risk management techniques which could be used for the VPP management. • The problem of voltage regulation in a distribution network, using a coordinated control of DER. The concept of VPP appears them to be feasible, as most of the technologies to be used to implement it are existing. This concept will be more specifically studied within the European project FENIX (Flexible Electricity Networks to Integrate the eXpected “energy evolution”) [10] that aims to characterise the interest of aggregation for electricity markets and grids. It projects to develop a distributed system control architecture completed by Information and Communication architecture and proposals for a supporting market and commercial structure. Several field tests are planned to validate practically some of the concepts studied.