virtual power plant

We are gradually working out new systems for the management of renewable energy.  Getting batteries into homes with solar panels is an important step but this means that individual households are managing their input to the grid.  A virtual power plant (or VPP which I am sure will become the standard name) is an amalgamation of all these small energy supplies into one large reservoir of energy, a single power plant, which can be better managed in terms of its relationship to the grid.  The VPP uses software and technology to manage the distributed resources effectively and ensure the stability of the grid.  The VPP can participate in the National Energy Market and sell high and buy low to the benefit of the households taking part.  Several energy companies in Australia have VPPs operating already.