Recently, Jinko ESS, a global leading energy storage solution provider and a subsidiary of Jinko Solar Co., Ltd., unveiled its integrated Virtual Power Plant (VPP) solution at the 14th Energy Storage International Conference and Expo (ESIE 2026) in Beijing. The solution introduces an innovative approach to addressing systemic challenges associated with high renewable energy penetration, marking Jinko ESS's transition from an energy storage equipment provider to a comprehensive “storage + aggregation” energy service provider, and enabling distributed energy resources to evolve from passive grid connection to active aggregation and dispatch.
As the share of wind and solar capacity continues to rise, power systems are approaching critical thresholds in flexibility, leading to increasing challenges such as supply-demand imbalances, renewable energy curtailment, and limited system regulation capacity. In this context, the coordinated development of energy storage and VPPs has emerged as a key pathway to enhance system flexibility, ensure grid stability, and unlock diversified value streams. Meanwhile, policy support is accelerating market growth.
The latest Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Virtual Power Plants issued by China's NDRC formally defines VPPs and recognizes them as independent market entities, while setting clear development targets of over 20 GW by 2027 and 50 GW by 2030. Regional deployment is also gaining momentum, with evolving market mechanisms shifting from subsidy-driven models toward market-based revenue and cross-regional trading.
Jinko's “Virtual Battery” platform adopts an advanced “Cloud–Station–Edge” architecture.
-The cloud layer integrates IoT-enabled data acquisition and a centralized data platform, directly interfacing with power trading markets and dispatch centers.
-The station layer leverages an Energy Management System (EMS) for precise device-level control.
-The edge layer aggregates diverse distributed resources, including photovoltaics, energy storage systems, flexible loads, and electric vehicles.
At its core, the platform is powered by four intelligent algorithm clusters, including:
- Operations research optimization for dynamic dispatch
-Machine learning for equipment state prediction
-Deep learning for renewable generation and load forecasting
-Model predictive control (MPC) for cost optimization and enhanced resilience to system fluctuations.
Looking ahead, Jinko ESS is developing a next-generation system based on advanced energy foundation models, driving a paradigm shift from data-driven to AI-native intelligent operations. With an AI-powered trading strategy engine—supporting applications such as peak-valley arbitrage, spot market decision-making, and multi-scenario optimization—combined with an intelligent risk control system featuring price spread alerts and rapid response to dispatch deviations, the platform is designed to maximize asset-level returns.
As power market reforms continue to deepen and carbon peak and neutrality goals approach, Jinko's VPP platform, with its flexible and scalable architecture and intelligent operational capabilities, is expected to play a critical role in enhancing power system flexibility, improving renewable energy integration, and optimizing resource allocation. With the large-scale rollout of VPP pilot projects and the gradual maturation of spot electricity markets, the value of this solution will be further realized.