PG&E Unveils Virtual Power Plant Project with Google and Tesla

A new virtual power plant project has been unveiled in California by Pacific Gas & Electric (PCG) to connect nearly 21,000 home energy devices. The project, called SHARE (Smart Home Assets for Reliability and Efficiency), aims to reduce strain on the grid and free up capacity by shifting power supply from connected batteries.

The idea behind the project is to build a virtual power plant that connects smaller energy resources such as home batteries and smart appliances. Instead of building a conventional power plant, a VPP can shift power supply from connected batteries, reducing grid strain and freeing up capacity.

Under the SHARE program, Tesla, Sunrun, and Renew Home will help connect nearly 21,000 existing home energy devices. Carrier will provide new battery-enabled heat pumps that can store and shift electricity consumption, while PG&E will plan, analyze, and validate customer impacts, system performance, and overall long-term benefits.

Google is expected to fully fund the program. 'Home energy devices hold enormous, untapped capacity that can meaningfully improve affordability and reliability for all Californians,' said Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun.