Optimus Energy Rolls Out emsys VPP Virtual Power Plant, Pioneering Renewable Energy Trading In Greece

Optimus Energy has chosen the German company emsys VPP to set up and run its new Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for trading renewable energy in Greece’s wholesale electricity and balancing markets. With almost 4 GW of solar and wind power, Optimus Energy is a major player in Greece, handling about 50% of the renewable energy traded through the Feed-in Premium (FiP) scheme or directly on the market. Through this partnership, Optimus Energy will use emsys VPP’s proven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, which is already trusted by many energy companies across Europe, to get the most value out of its renewable energy in short-term markets.

emsys VPP has already started building the Virtual Power Plant, tailoring it to fit Optimus Energy’s needs. More than 3,500 solar and wind plants will be connected, allowing real-time monitoring and flexible control of power production. In addition, energy & meteo systems, a partner of emsys VPP, will deliver accurate solar and wind forecasts for these plants, which will be built into the platform. This full software package will help Optimus Energy better manage its portfolio, including adjusting production during times of negative electricity prices.

Stella Zacharia, CEO of Optimus Energy, said in a statement, “Our collaboration with emsys VPP leverages their industry-leading software solutions and extensive international expertise, which are instrumental in optimizing the market potential of our RES portfolio. We’re excited to play a pivotal role in enhancing power system stability in Greece, while also accessing the emerging ancillary services market as a valuable additional revenue stream for our expanding renewable energy portfolio.”

“Our Virtual Power Plant and power forecasts already support several Greek partners in managing their renewable energy portfolios. Providing our Virtual Power Plant for the wholesale and ancillary services market to Optimus Energy marks a significant milestone in bolstering our market presence,” mentioned Dr. Ulrich Focken, Managing Director of emsys VPP and energy & meteo systems.

The deal also includes a custom-built VPP for providing balancing energy services. This step is part of Optimus Energy’s plan to grow its business in Greece’s changing energy market, where renewable energy sources are expanding quickly. The balancing services will not only create a new revenue stream for renewable projects but will also make the grid more flexible, supporting the country’s energy transition goals. As part of this, emsys VPP will help qualify renewable plants to take part in the balancing market, including testing their ability to quickly respond to dispatch orders from IPTO, Greece’s transmission system operator.