Singapore looks to virtual power plants and digital systems for future power grid

At the same time as launching a call for proposals on virtual power plants (VPPs), Singapore is considering mechanisms such as demand response, DERMS and digital twins to enhance its electricity grid system.

The mechanisms are identified in a Future Grid Capabilities Roadmap, which is being developed by the country’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Singapore Power Group (SP) to outline challenges that face the country’s changing power system.

Specifically, the roadmap identifies key focus areas to transform the electricity grid, including:

• Harnessing DERs to enhance grid resilience by providing energy, ancillary services or demand response services to shift energy usage to off-peak periods;
• Enhancing grid planning, control and maintenance efforts, for example through the development of digital solutions such as the grid digital twin and distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) to optimise manpower and reduce manual processes;
• Exploring solutions to maintain grid stability as we increase the share of renewable energy sources within our energy mix.

The Roadmap, which is set to be launched later this year, will set the direction to build Singapore’s future grid capabilities through a combination of research and development, pilot projects and deployment efforts.

The focus areas and initiatives, states EPA in a release, are designed to support the energy transition by fostering targeted innovations that enhance grid resilience and reliability.

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Regulatory sandbox for VPPs

As part of efforts to harness DERs, EMA has also launched a Consultation Paper and Call for Regulatory Sandbox Proposals to explore the benefits of virtual power plants (VPPs).

According to the EPA, this will help unlock the potential for DERs to play a greater and broader range of roles in supporting the energy transition.

To advance this initiative, EMA has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SP Group to collaborate on the research and development of a VPP to participate in the regulatory sandbox.

The MoU involves the deployment of a 15MW VPP comprising DERs such as solar photovoltaic sources and BESS in the initial phase.

The VPP will participate in the electricity market to evaluate its benefits to the power system. This initiative will explore advanced ways to integrate these resources into the grid, driving a smarter and more resilient energy system.

Commenting in a release was Puah Kok Keong, chief executive of EMA: “Fostering innovation and collaboration with stakeholders is crucial to enhance Singapore’s grid capabilities. By using advanced technologies and building a resilient grid that can address our challenges, we can harness opportunities to advance the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.”

Added Stanley Huang, group chief executive officer of SP Group: “In our continuous efforts to uphold grid reliability and resilience, and support the incorporation of more clean energy sources, we work closely with EMA on various initiatives such as the Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS), Digital Twin and VPPs.

“Augmenting capabilities is key to future-proofing Singapore’s electricity network and enable the smooth transition to a low-carbon, smart energy future.”

The EMA has invited submissions for VPP sandbox proposals by 31 December 2024.