IJEM Vol. 16, No. 2, 8 Apr. 2026
Cover page and Table of Contents: PDF (size: 1825KB)
PDF (1825KB), PP.29-50
Views: 0 Downloads: 0
Communication network, Virtual power plant, Cybersecurity, Renewable energy, Smart grid
Virtual power plants (VPPs) are smart energy systems that aggregate geographically distributed energy resources (DERs), including renewable and non-renewable energy sources, energy storage devices, and controllable loads, into a single virtual plant. These plants are integrated into distribution networks to enhance grid stability and reliability. VPPs require a two-way communication framework to monitor and control all generation sources and loads, ensuring a balance between supply and demand while providing services to distribution or transmission network operators. In VPPs, various applications are used, each with specific communication quality requirements, such as reliability, latency, and bandwidth. Therefore, selecting communication technologies and protocols that meet these requirements and deliver optimal performance for each application is essential. This research paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on VPPs, exploring their applications, communication requirements, and structural frameworks. It also examines the protocols and standards necessary to ensure reliability, security, and communication quality. Finally, the paper summarizes the global development and implementation of VPPs over the past two decades.
Ahmed I. Alghannam, Firas S. Alsharbaty, "Beyond the grid, the Symbiosis of Virtual Power Plants and Communication Networks: A review ", International Journal of Engineering and Manufacturing (IJEM), Vol.16, No.2, pp.29-50, 2026. DOI:10.5815/ijem.2026.02.02
[1]V.-Z. Jaime Fernando, M.-H. Jose Ignacio, B. Luis, D.-C. Pablo, and D.-M. Ignacio De, "A Review of the Evolution and Main Roles of Virtual Power Plants as Key Stakeholders in Power Systems," in IEEE Access vol. 10, ed, 2022.
[2]M. Mohammadreza, G. Navid, T. Mehrdad, and P. Jagadeesh, "Virtual power plant management with hybrid energy storage system," Unconventional Resources, vol. 5, p. 100107, 2025.
[3]K. E. Bakari and W. L. Kling, "Virtual power plants: An answer to increasing distributed generation," presented at the 2010 IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference Europe (ISGT Europe), Gothenburg, Sweden, 2010, 2165-4824.
[4]L. Pio, P. Michal, and R. Krzysztof, "Optimal operation of a virtual power plant," 2009.
[5]M. Tian et al., "Virtual Power Plant Platforms and Their Applications in Practice: A Brief Review," 2020.
[6]M. Ahmad Faiz et al., "Evolution and role of virtual power plants: Market strategy with integration of renewable based microgrids," Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 53, p. 101390, 2024.
[7]Z. Matej, K. Mitja, and S. Nermin, "Virtual power plant communication system architecture," Smart Power Distribution Systems: Control, Communication, and Optimization, 2018.
[8]A. B. Erphan, H. Md Zahid, S. M. Muyeen, F. Shahriar Rahman, K. S. Subrata, and K. D. Sajal, "Towards next generation virtual power plant: Technology review and frameworks," in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 150, ed, 2021.
[9]K. Mitja et al., "Virtual power plant architecture using OpenADR 2.0b for dynamic charging of automated guided vehicles," International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 104, 2019.
[10]W. Wenye and L. Zhuo, "Cyber security in the Smart Grid: Survey and challenges," in Computer Networks vol. 57, ed, 2013.
[11]R. Hossein Mohammadi, K. Hadis, and L. Lei, "A review on virtual power plant for energy management," Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, vol. 47, p. 101370, 2021.
[12]W. Xuanyuan, L. Zhen, Z. Hao, Z. Yunhao, S. Jianlei, and D. Huajie, "A Review on Virtual Power Plant Concept, Application and Challenges," 2019.
[13]G. Sahand, L. Li, A. Jamshid, Y. Tao, and Z. Jianguo, "A review on the virtual power plant: Components and operation systems," presented at the 2016 IEEE International Conference on Power System Technology (POWERCON), Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2016.
[14]A. F. Meyabadi and M. H. Deihimi, "A review of demand-side management: Reconsidering theoretical framework," in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 80, ed, 2017.
[15]N. Natalia and M. Y. Jose, "Virtual power plant models and electricity markets - A review," in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 149, ed, 2021.
[16]W. Junmin, L. Chuan, T. Jing, L. Shidong, and G. Wei, "Hybrid Traffic Scheduling in 5G and Time-Sensitive Networking Integrated Networks for Communications of Virtual Power Plants," Applied Sciences (Switzerland), vol. 13, 2023.
[17]R. Guangchun, Q. Dawei, S. Sivaranjani, S. A. A. Ahmed, and S. Goran, "Data-driven energy management of virtual power plants: A review," in Advances in Applied Energy vol. 14, ed, 2024.
[18]S. Awerbuch and A. Preston, The virtual utility: Accounting, technology & competitive aspects of the emerging industry. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
[19]H. Florian and M. Michael, "Distributed Controller Communication in Virtual Power Plants Using Smart Meter Gateways," 2018.
[20]D. Ahmet and D. Demet Cidem, "A Review on Machine Learning Models in Forecasting of Virtual Power Plant Uncertainties," in Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering vol. 30, ed, 2023.
[21]Z. Yihong, E. Chaimaa, and M. Thomas, "A novel surrogate polytope method for day-ahead virtual power plant scheduling with joint probabilistic constraints," Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 234, p. 110623, 2024.
[22]G. Beibei, L. Fenglin, Y. Jie, Y. Wei, and S. Boyang, "The application effect of the optimized scheduling model of virtual power plant participation in the new electric power system," Heliyon, vol. 10, p. e31748, 2024.
[23]B. Mohamed, B. Liam, C. Jerry, D. Mohamed, S. Aziz, and K. Shafi, "Role of Aggregator in Coordinating Residential Virtual Power Plant in 'StoreNet' : A Pilot Project Case Study," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, vol. 13, 2022.
[24]K. Riaz et al., "Energy Sustainability-Survey on Technology and Control of Microgrid, Smart Grid and Virtual Power Plant," in IEEE Access vol. 9, ed, 2021.
[25]H. Saboori, M. Mohammadi, and R. Taghe, "Virtual power plant (VPP), definition, concept, components and types," 2011.
[26]O. A.-K. Kankam and M. C.-M. Luis, "Towards collaborative Virtual Power Plants: Trends and convergence," in Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks vol. 16, ed, 2018.
[27]U. Zahid, M. Geev, C. Felician, and H. Yim Fun, "Comprehensive review of VPPs planning, operation and scheduling considering the uncertainties related to renewable energy sources," in IET Energy Systems Integration vol. 1, ed, 2019.
[28]N. Talha Bin, S. Mubashir, K. Muhammad, and A. Muhammad, "Distributed energy systems: A review of classification, technologies, applications, and policies:," in Energy Strategy Reviews vol. 48, ed, 2023.
[29]I. Chu Donatus, G. Samuel, T. Emmanuel, and E.-D. Eric, "Distributed generation and renewable energy integration into the grid: Prerequisites, push factors, practical options, issues and merits," Energies, vol. 14, 2021.
[30]L. Jun Yin, A. K. Ramasamy, O. Kam Hoe, R. Verayiah, M. Hazlie, and M. Marayati, "Energy storage systems: A review of its progress and outlook, potential benefits, barriers and solutions within the Malaysian distribution network," in Journal of Energy Storage vol. 72, ed, 2023.
[31]M. Arash, N.-H. Morteza, and M.-I. Behnam, "Energy storage fundamentals and components," Energy Storage in Energy Markets: Uncertainties, Modelling, Analysis and Optimization, pp. 23-39, 2021.
[32]H. Eklas, F. Hossain Mansur Resalat, S. Md Samiul Haque, M. Naeem, and N. Nafiu, "A comprehensive review on energy storage systems: Types, comparison, current scenario, applications, barriers, and potential solutions, policies, and future prospects," in Energies vol. 13, ed, 2020.
[33]L. Fiorini and M. Aiello, "Energy management for user's thermal and power needs: A survey," in Energy Reports vol. 5, ed, 2019.
[34]E. Cherrelle, C. Paul, P. Yannick, R. Javier, and H. Rudi, "Managing electric flexibility from Distributed Energy Resources: A review of incentives for market design," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 64, pp. 237-247, 2016.
[35]A. R. Hasimah, M. Md Shah, A. R. Jordehi, K. Gan Chin, H. Mohammad Yusri, and O. F. Saeed, "Operation and control strategies of integrated distributed energy resources: A review," in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 51, ed, 2015.
[36]A. A. Kalaf, O. S. Alyozbaky, and A. I. Alghannam, "A modern technique to manage energy profile in Iraq: Virtual power plant (VPP)," vol. 1973, 2021.
[37]P. Lombardi, T. Sokolnikova, Z. Styczynski, and N. Voropai, "Virtual power plant management considering energy storage systems," vol. 8, 2012.
[38]P. Anubhav Kumar, J. Vinay Kumar, N. S. Jayalakshmi, M. Hasmat, and M. Fausto Pedro García, "Multi-objective price based flexible reserve scheduling of virtual power plant," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 192, 2024.
[39]K. Mitja, N. Peter, G. Christoph, S. Nermin, and Z. Matej, "Performance evaluation of a virtual power plant communication system providing ancillary services," Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 149, 2017.
[40]Z.-P. Eliseo et al., "Virtual power plant for energy management: Science mapping approach," Heliyon, vol. 9, p. e19962, 2023.
[41]Z. Sufang, J. Yiqian, and C. Wenjun, "Demand-side management (DSM) in the context of China's on-going power sector reform," Energy Policy, vol. 100, 2017.
[42]M. Pasetti, S. Rinaldi, and D. Manerba, "A Virtual Power Plant Architecture for the Demand-Side Management of Smart Prosumers," Applied Sciences, vol. 8, no. 3, p. 432, 2018.
[43]G. Elisa and V. Vittorio, "Demand response and other demand side management techniques for district heating: A review," in Energy vol. 219, ed, 2021.
[44]S. Seppo, P.-K. Mahdi, and V. Valeriy, "A taxonomy of machine learning applications for virtual power plants and home/building energy management systems," in Automation in Construction vol. 136, ed, 2022.
[45]J. Logeshwaran, N. Shanmugasundaram, and J. Lloret, "Energy‐efficient resource allocation model for device‐to‐device communication in 5G wireless personal area networks," International Journal of Communication Systems, vol. 36, no. 13, p. e5524, 2023.
[46]D. Merkebu Zenebe, S. Iver Bakken, and S. Hanne, "Comprehensive classifications and characterizations of power system flexibility resources," in Electric Power Systems Research vol. 194, ed, 2021.
[47]L. Bin et al., "Overview and prospect of information and communication technology development in virtual power plants," Energy Conversion and Economics, vol. 3, 2022.
[48]A. Fredrik Ege, A. Yun, and C. Michael, "Communication technologies for smart grid: A comprehensive survey," in Sensors vol. 21, ed, 2021.
[49]K. Murat, P. Manisa, and R. Saifur, "Communication network requirements for major smart grid applications in HAN, NAN and WAN," in Computer Networks vol. 67, ed, 2014.
[50]Nist, "Update of the NIST Smart Grid Conceptual Model (Discussion DRAFT)," Discussion DRAFT, 2018.
[51]H. Hossein and V. Luigi, "A SGAM-based architecture for synchrophasor applications facilitating TSO/DSO interactions," 2017.
[52]F. M. v. S. Luc, J. W. Anna, J. T. B. Gunter, and P. J. V. Geert, "Community energy meets smart grids: Reviewing goals, structure, and roles in Virtual Power Plants in Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands," Energy Research and Social Science, vol. 63, 2020.
[53]Z. Huan, F. Shuai, W. Qing, D. Lianxin, L. Zuyi, and H. Guangyu, "Stimulus-response control strategy based on autonomous decentralized system theory for exploitation of flexibility by virtual power plant," Applied Energy, vol. 285, 2021.
[54]R. Mouna, C. Zied, and M. Nathalie, "A scalable geographic routing protocol for virtual power plant communications," 2015.
[55]P. Glenn, V. Kristof De, B. Ronnie, and D. Annelies, "Virtual power plants: Definition, applications and barriers to the implementation in the distribution system," vol. 2015-August, 2015.
[56]I. A. Ahmed and A. Abdulrahman Kh, "Performance analysis of Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS) service class in WiMAX voip application," Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, vol. 15, 2020.
[57]L. Ping, Y. Yubo, Y. Panlong, L. Xiang Yang, and L. Qiongzheng, "Coexist wifi for zigbee networks with fine-grained frequency approach," IEEE Access, vol. 7, 2019.
[58]B. Arbab-Zavar, E. J. Palacios-Garcia, J. C. Vasquez, and J. M. Guerrero, "Smart Inverters for Microgrid Applications: A Review," Energies, vol. 12, no. 5, p. 840, 2019.
[59]A. Emilio, B. Raffaele, and C. Marco, "The role of communication systems in smart grids: Architectures, technical solutions and research challenges," Computer Communications, vol. 36, no. 17, pp. 1665-1697, 2013.
[60]Y. Melike, V. C. Gungor, T. Gurkan, R. Maria, and F. Etimad, "Power line communication technologies for smart grid applications: A review of advances and challenges," Computer Networks, vol. 70, pp. 366-383, 2014.
[61]I. A. Qutaiba and S. A. Firas, "Challenges, Trends and Solutions for Communication Networks and Cyber-Security in Smart Grid," Current Chinese Engineering Science, vol. 2, 2022.
[62]K. Yasin, "A survey on smart metering and smart grid communication," in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews vol. 57, ed, 2016.
[63]S. A. Ayoob, F. S. Alsharbaty, and A. N. Hammodat, "Design and simulation of high efficiency rectangular microstrip patch antenna using artificial intelligence for 6G era," TELKOMNIKA (Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control), vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 1234-1245, 2023.
[64]S. R. S, T. Dragičević, P. Siano, and S. R. S. Prabaharan, "Future Generation 5G Wireless Networks for Smart Grid: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, vol. 12, no. 11, p. 2140, 2019.
[65]G. Bag, L. Thrybom, and P. Hovila, "Challenges and opportunities of 5G in power grids," CIRED, vol. 2017, no. 1, pp. 2145-2148, 2017.
[66]F. S. Alsharbaty and Q. I. Ali, "Self-Powered Wide Area Infrastructure Based on WiMAX for Real Time Applications of Smart Grid," Iraqi Journal for Electrical & Electronic Engineering, vol. 18, no. 2, 2022.
[67]S. A. Ayoob, F. S. Alsharbaty, and A. Alhafid, "Enhancement the heavy file application of 802.16 e cell using intra-site CoMP in uplink stream," Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 1721-1733, 2022.
[68]E. Nicholas, V. Valeriy, and H. J. B. Math, "Virtual Power Plant for Grid Services Using IEC 61850," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 12, 2016.
[69]C. Yue, N. Yuguang, Q. Chenzhi, D. Ming, and W. Jiahui, "Data-driven-based distributionally robust optimization approach for a virtual power plant considering the responsiveness of electric vehicles and Ladder-type carbon trading," International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, vol. 157, 2024.
[70]Z. Rafique, H. M. Khalid, and S. Muyeen, "Communication systems in distributed generation: A bibliographical review and frameworks," IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 207226-207239, 2020.
[71]L. Sun, Y. Chen, Q. Du, Q. Cheng, R. Ding, and Z. Liu, "Virtual power plant for monitoring of distributed energy resources using extensible messaging and presence protocol," Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, vol. 38, p. 101365, 2024.
[72]Q. Imran Ali and A. Sohail, "A Systematic Review of the IEEE-802.11 Standard’s Enhancements and Limitations," in Wireless Personal Communications vol. 131, ed, 2023.
[73]R. Stefano, P. Marco, F. Paolo, M. Giovanni, and G. Davide Della, "Experimental characterization of communication infrastructure for virtual power plant monitoring," 2016.
[74]S. Tariq, K. Edward, and S. Petr, "Automated Demand Response for Smart Buildings and Microgrids: The State of the Practice and Research Challenges," Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 104, 2016.
[75]A. Parejo, S. García, E. Personal, J. I. Guerrero, A. García, and C. Leon, "OpenADR and Agreement Audit Architecture for a Complete Cycle of a Flexibility Solution," Sensors, vol. 21, no. 4, p. 1204, 2021.
[76]Y.-C. Wu, C.-S. Chang, and W.-H. Li, "Development of a Low-Cost Automated Demand Response Controller for Home Energy Management," Applied Sciences, vol. 14, no. 23, p. 11434, 2024.
[77]Z. Jiahui, X. Zhiyu, X. Weisheng, Z. Feiyu, L. Xiaoyu, and F. Min, "Bi-objective dispatch of multi-energy virtual power plant: Deep-learning-based prediction and particle swarm optimization," Applied Sciences (Switzerland), vol. 9, 2019.
[78]L. Lin, G. Xin, P. Yu, W. Ning, M. Sabita, and O. Tomoaki, "Deep Reinforcement Learning for Economic Dispatch of Virtual Power Plant in Internet of Energy," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 7, 2020.
[79]T. Abdul Haseeb and A. Uzma, "Peer-to-peer multi-energy trading in a decentralized network: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 208, p. 114969, 2025.
[80]A. M. A. D. Kaif, A. Khandoker Shahjahan, and K. D. Sajal, "Blockchain based sustainable energy transition of a Virtual Power Plant: Conceptual framework design & experimental implementation," Energy Reports, vol. 11, pp. 261-275, 2024.
[81]F. Bin, L. Zhuping, H. Gang, and G. Chuangxin, "Robust federated deep reinforcement learning for optimal control in multiple virtual power plants with electric vehicles," Applied Energy, vol. 349, 2023.
[82]G. Muhammet Zekeriya and D. Resul, "A comparison of cyber-security oriented testbeds for IoT-based smart grids," vol. 2018-January, 2018.
[83]F. Alsharbaty and Q. Ali, "An enhanced industrial wireless communication network for hard real time performance substation automation purposes," Al-Rafidain Engineering Journal, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 216-226, 2022.
[84]V. Y. Pillitteri and T. L. Brewer, "Guidelines for smart grid cybersecurity," 2014.
[85]G. Muhammed Zekeriya and D. Resul, "Cyber-security on smart grid: Threats and potential solutions," Computer Networks, vol. 169, 2020.
[86] S. P. Rao, R. S. Tiruvalluru, S. R. A. Balaji, O. S. Tomomewo, and P. Ranganathan, "Virtual Power Plants Security Challenges, Solutions, and Emerging Trends: A Review," in 2024 Cyber Awareness and Research Symposium (CARS), 2024: IEEE, pp. 1-11.
[87]N.-T. Wafa, E. Seifeddine Ben, H.-F. Ehsan, and B. Mohamed, "Virtual Power Plants Optimization Issue: A Comprehensive Review on Methods, Solutions, and Prospects," Energies, vol. 15, 2022.
[88]Z. Jiatong, "The Concept, Project and Current Status of Virtual Power Plant: A Review," Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 2152, no. 1, p. 012059, 2022.
[89]J. MartI. "Overview FENIX Findings and recommendations on LSVPP, [Online]. Available: http://www.fenix-project.org/." (accessed.
[90]B. J. D. Gantenbein, D. Dykeman, P. B. Andersen, E. B. Hauksson, F. Marra, et al. ""WP3- Distributed Integration Technology Development," [Online]. Available: http://www.edison-net.dk/." (accessed.