Impact of Virtual Power Plants on grid stability and renewable energy integration in smart cities using IoT

This study examines the integration of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance grid stability, optimize renewable energy utilization, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions in smart cities. Using Oman as a case study, our simulations compare traditional VPPs with IoT-enabled VPPs to evaluate improvements in grid interaction, storage utilization, and renewable energy curtailment under high-demand fluctuations. The findings demonstrate that IoT-enabled VPPs, augmented by advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS), improve renewable energy generation by an average of 19% (peaking at 31%), and reduce grid dependency by an average of 33% (peaking at 39%). These results highlight the transformative potential of IoT-enabled VPPs in achieving sustainable energy goals and advancing local energy markets in Oman. • Impact of IoT integration with VPPs in smart cities is evaluated. • Traditional VPPs are compared with IoT-enabled VPPs under high-demand fluctuations. • IoT VPPs boost renewable energy by 19%–31% and cut grid reliance by 33%–39%. • IoT’s potential to enhance energy resilience and sustainability in Oman is highlighted.