Community-based virtual power plants’ technology and circular economy models in the energy sector: A Techno-economy study

Haonan Xie, Tanveer Ahmad, Dongdong Zhang, Hui Hwang Goh and Thomas Wu

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2024, vol. 192, issue C

Abstract: Virtual power plants possess the capability to effectively manage the inherent conflict between dispersed electricity generation and user demand, hence optimising market advantages. Nevertheless, the presence of severe weather conditions, geopolitical factors, the phenomenon of global warming, and several other global concerns greatly enhance the level of uncertainty related to the establishment of sustainable energy sources and the corresponding demand from users. Consequently, these factors expose the limitations of virtual power plants in effectively controlling power supply. The active involvement of community members has the potential to invigorate the process of development. This study presents a novel model, referred to as the CE-based cVPP (CE-cVPP) model, that combines the principles of circular economy (CE) and community-based virtual power plant (cVPP). The objective of this model is to enhance the effectiveness of sustainable development efforts. This research redefines the concept of a CE-cVPP, elucidates its defining features, scopes, and classification, and constructs a technological framework, together with an explanatory community case structure. The CE-cVPP energy life cycle framework is constructed based on the principles of the circular economy paradigm. This study investigates the enduring and sustainable benefits of the CE-cVPP across four dimensions: energy, environment, economics, and society. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive examination of the energy, digital, and circular economy perspectives, encompassing critical analysis, problems, prospective analysis, and future directions.

Keywords: Circular economy and community-based virtual power plant (CE-cVPP); Community-based virtual power plant (cVPP); Circular economy (CE); Integrated energy system (IES); Sustainable development; Renewable energy; Virtual power plant (VPP); Digital energy; Energy life cycle (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2023.114189

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