Optimus Energy has entered into a partnership with the German service provider emsys VPP to implement a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for trading renewable energy in Greece’s wholesale electricity and balancing markets. Optimus Energy manages a portfolio of nearly 4 GW of solar and wind power, securing a leading position in the Greek energy market.
The company represents approximately 50% of the renewable energy capacity traded either under the Feed-in Premium (FiP) scheme or through direct merchant market participation nationally. By collaborating with emsys VPP, Optimus Energy will deploy a proven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that is widely used by energy aggregators and utilities across Europe. This technology will allow Optimus Energy to optimize the value of its renewable energy assets in short-term electricity markets.
The implementation process is already underway. emsys VPP has begun setting up the Virtual Power Plant for the wholesale electricity market and is tailoring the software to meet the specific operational needs of Optimus Energy. The project involves connecting more than 3,500 solar and wind power plants to the VPP, which will enable real-time data collection and dynamic control of variable renewable energy production.
As part of the setup, energy & meteo systems, a partner company of emsys VPP, has been contracted to provide precise solar and wind power forecasts for all connected assets. These forecasts will be fully integrated into the VPP platform, helping to enhance portfolio management and ensuring the ability to reduce power generation during periods of negative electricity pricing.
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.”
Dr. Ulrich Focken, Managing Director of emsys VPP and energy & meteo systems, stated, “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.”
Additionally, emsys VPP is developing a customized Virtual Power Plant to enable Optimus Energy to offer balancing energy services. This move marks a strategic expansion of Optimus Energy’s service portfolio in response to the evolving Greek energy market, where the penetration of renewable energy sources continues to grow. The introduction of balancing services will offer significant benefits: renewable energy producers will gain an additional revenue stream, while the national grid will benefit from improved flexibility and stability, aligning with broader energy transition goals.
Furthermore, emsys VPP will support the qualification process for renewable energy assets, allowing them to participate in the balancing services market. Through this partnership, Optimus Energy aims to strengthen its leadership in Greece’s renewable energy sector by improving the management and trading of clean energy resources and supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable power system.
