Energy Storage Systems for Virtual Power Plants: The Grid's New Backbone

California's grid operators scrambled in March 2024 when solar generation suddenly dropped 40% during an unexpected cloud cover event. Without adequate storage, they had to fire up fossil fuel peaker plants within minutes – a costly and environmentally regressive move. This isn't isolated – virtual power plants (VPPs) without proper energy storage systems (ESS) are essentially trying to win a Formula 1 race with bicycle tires. [2024-04-06 16:09]