German cleantech 1Komma5° connects 500 MW to virtual power plant
German cleantech unicorn 1Komma5° has connected 500 MW of flexibility capacity to its energy management platform Heartbeat AI, and aims to reach 20 GW of power in the virtual power plant by 2030.
According to a company statement, the system has already become “Europe's largest virtual power plant for private households”.
1Komma5° has connected to its platform around 50,000 decentralised energy systems such as solar installations, battery storage or heat pumps in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. The approach has saved 24,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and EUR 36.6 million (USD 41.5m) in electricity costs for households.
1Komma5° plans to open Heartbeat AI further to more than 16 million residential homes in Germany to help it reach the 20 GW goal. The targeted expansion of the virtual power plant should reduce the need for gas-fired power plants as backup when renewable energy is not generated. The move will also ensure that less electricity is sold abroad
