Turning community energy assets into a virtual power plant — and proving it delivers
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Project NameFleXunity
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RoleUK pilot lead; energy community development, recruitment and engagement
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PartnersVirtual Power Solutions, R&D Nester, S'mples Energia, LUT University
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Funded ByEU Horizon 2020
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LocationCorby, UK; Spain and Portugal
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TimescaleTwo-year project, completed May 2022
The Challenge
Most households generate and consume energy in isolation. Without coordination, locally generated renewable energy frequently goes to waste, grid operators fail to develop greater flexibility, and communities miss out on the collective value of their assets. Unlocking that potential – across solar panels, batteries, EVs and everyday appliances – requires not just new technology but also a new model for how communities participate in the energy system.
What we did
As part of the €3.8 million EU Horizon 2020 FleXunity project, Electric Places led the development of two pilot energy communities: one in Corby, UK, and one spanning Spain and Portugal. Each of these operated as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). We recruited over 60 homes and 8 non-residential sites, installing energy management systems, stationary batteries and Vehicle-to-Grid EV chargers. Hundreds of small-scale flexible loads – including air conditioning units, heaters and fridges – were coordinated using an innovative flexibility software platform, with solar generation, consumption and storage managed collectively at community level.
Outcomes
The project concluded in May 2022, delivering new business models for community energy and grid balancing services, alongside software platforms for residential users, businesses and community managers. The European Commission described it as delivering “exceptional results with significant immediate or potential impact.”