The Increasing Role of Distributed Assets in the ERCOT Market—Using Onsite Generation, Microgrids, VPPs, and DR to Solve Resource Adequacy and Reliability Problems Conference Name: ERCOT Market Summit
Jane Rueger will act as Moderator during a panel discussion on The Increasing Role of Distributed Assets in the ERCOT Market—Using Onsite Generation, Microgrids, VPPs, and DR to Solve Resource Adequacy and Reliability Problems.
There is a growing recognition that “all hands-on deck” will be needed to assure reliable, cost-effective electric service during the ongoing energy transition. Collocation of generation facilities and large loads using reciprocating generators, SMRs, microgrids and other technologies is seen as not only as a bridge until grid infrastructure and clean generation can be brought online, but also a means of assuring reliability in the face of increasingly common extreme weather events. At the same time, the Aggregated Distributed Energy Resources (ADER) program is exploring how to develop other ways to create more effective market mechanisms to enable the participation of distributed energy resources in the ERCOT wholesale market, including virtual power plants (VPPs). This panel will explore how distributed generation, storage and demand response assets will tap into the market, including:
- What options are available for providing bridge power options for hyperscale data centers, private use networks and other large loads?
- What progress is being made in VPP pilot projects?
- How have C&I loads behaved in tight grid conditions, and why?
- What combination of economic rewards and penalties will most effectively reward higher performance of commercial and industrial facilities?
- How can rate designs and compensation schemes be developed to enable residential customer participation?
- How can more widespread aggregation or virtual power plant (VPP) efforts be fostered?