Energy Digitalization Paves Way for New Era in Behind-the-Meter Storage: Virtual Power Plant Industry Alliance Set for Launch in Early 2026

For many years, Taiwan's energy discourse has focused heavily on power generation. However, with climate change increasingly threatening renewable energy sites, a new initiative has emerged. Taiwan Industry-Academia Technology Alliance for Energy Digital Transformation (TAEDT) supported by the National Science and Technology Council, is now driving forward a net-zero transformation through innovations in virtual power plant (VPP) technologies, gaining widespread attention across sectors.

On July 18, 2025, the "Virtual Power Plant and Grid Resilience Summit & 2025 TAEDT Members' General Assembly" was held. The event focused around net-zero transformation and power sector innovation, opening a new chapter in sustainable development through dialogue among industry, government, academia, and civil society.

Addressing the needs of Energy Transition 2.0 policy in Taiwan, the summit was split into two segments. The morning Session focused on showcasing VPP technology services and business model achievements by alliance members. The afternoon Session was a summit on power sector innovation under net-zero transformation, centered on VPPs and grid resilience.

The morning session, which was the TAEDT General Assembly, featured speeches by Dr. Wen-Cheng Chu, former Chairman of Taipower, also known as Distinguished Professor at Tatung University, and Honorary Advisor to the alliance, and Dr. Chen-Tung Yang, Fellow at the Industrial Technology Research Institute, also known as CEO of Fortune Electric Co., Ltd.

A keynote address was delivered by Chih-Wei Wu, Deputy Director of Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, titled "Positioning and Promotion Strategy for VPPs after the Electricity Act Amendment." Wu emphasized the importance of neutral and fair operation of the electricity trading platform, and suggested opening Taiwan's VPPs to participate in the electricity market, rather than limiting them to the current ancillary services market. These are two of the most critical energy policy developments following the amendment of the Electricity Act, and pivotal to Energy Transition 2.0 policy.

Highlights from eight key TAEDT alliance members focused on: Smart energy storage, AI applications, Citizen power plants. Among the topics, energy storage systems, core infrastructure for VPPs, featured in five case studies. These underscore Taiwan's shift toward renewable energy and the consensus that this year marks the first year of behind-the-meter storage era.

The afternoon session, the Power Sector Innovation Summit under Net-Zero Transformation, was jointly organized by TAEDT, Global Views Monthly, and the Global Views ESG Alliance, focusing on VPP and grid resilience. Mary Yang, President of Global Views Monthly, served as moderator. Dr. Tzu-Lun Lin, Deputy Executive Director of the Executive Yuan's Energy and Carbon Reduction Office and Professor at National Taiwan University, delivered the guest remarks. Notably, Dr. Lin convened Taiwan's first VPP development and international case study workshop on October 19, 2020, catalyzing nationwide attention to VPPs amid the growing share of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) and Inverter-Based Resources (IBR) and the pressing need for grid resilience.

The afternoon session began with remarks from Professor George Hsu, the alliance host, on "Enhancing Taiwan's Grid Resilience and Maximizing Net-Zero Green Energy." Six high-profile industry leaders followed with keynote talks, including Hui-Ching Yeh, Chairman of YFY Investment Holdings, Roger Chen, Director of Enel X Taiwan, Rocky Chien, President of SunShine Electric, Peter Chang, Chairman of e-FORMULA Technologies, Justin Lan, Chairman of CynLing Renewables, Sheng-Hsiung Lin, Vice President of Mobiletron.

Each speaker shared real-world implementation cases of VPPs, emphasizing their role in enhancing grid resilience and scaling up VRE/IBR-based green energy deployment.

At the summit, TAEDT also exhibited two special issues of the jointly published "Virtual Power Plants and Circular Economy Special Edition" with Energy OMNI Magazine. Corporate members displayed products, publications, software systems, and business models to promote cross-member cooperation and win-win partnerships.

Additionally, corporate sponsors and partners showcased branding videos during check-in, lunch, and break times. Ads were also printed in the event handbook to further amplify visibility.

TAEDT's member companies are characterized by technology intensity and high knowledge value, and under the strong support of public sector agencies, have formed public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate VPP development. This PPP model is seen as a key success factor for Taiwan's VPP advancement.

In January 2025, TAEDT initiated the formation of the "Virtual Power Plant Industry Alliance", and by April, it received approval from the Ministry of the Interior to form a legal entity. With strong member support at this summit, the alliance is expected to be formally established in early 2026.