Session 4 - Track A: Future Energy Systems & Technology Pathways: From Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)

​Pakistan’s energy system needs to evolve as distributed solar, followed by a battery rush and an increase in EVs, makes distributed energy resources (DERs) more prominent by the day.

​Virtual power plants (VPPs) are one of the flexible solutions that can be integrated to add greater value to DERs.

​This session will examine the technology pathways and system architectures needed to move toward a flexible, reliable, and future-ready grid. It will assess key gaps and opportunities around flexibility, grid code requirements, distribution-level coordination, and market participation, while identifying the technical, regulatory, and commercial changes needed to pilot VPPs and integrate distributed assets as core system resources.

​Presenters:

• ​Syed Faizan Ali Shah (Advisor, Ministry of Energy)

• ​Masao Ashtine (Senior Manager, Carbon Trust, UK)

• ​Babar Hussain (Technical Director, U Energy, UK / Europe)