Optimus Energy Launches emsys VPP-powered Virtual Power Plant to Trade Renewable Energy in Greece
emsys VPP has already commenced setting up its Virtual Power Plant for the wholesale electricity market and is customizing the software to meet Optimus Energy's specific requirements. This process includes connecting over 3,500 solar and wind power plants to the VPP, enabling real-time data retrieval and dynamic control of variable electricity production. Contracted by Optimus Energy, emsys VPP's partner company, energy & meteo systems, provides accurate solar and wind power forecasts for the connected assets, which will be integrated into the VPP. This complete software suite allows Optimus Energy to efficiently manage its portfolio including reduction of power generation during periods of negative electricity prices.
Additionally, emsys VPP is supplying a tailored Virtual Power Plant for providing balancing energy services, a strategic expansion of Optimus Energy's services in the evolving Greek energy market, driven by the constantly increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES). Balancing services will benefit both the renewable assets, by creating an additional revenue stream, and the grid, by delivering greater flexibility in line with energy transition objectives. As part of the service, emsys VPP will enable the qualification of renewable assets for participation in the balancing services market. This qualification process includes remote-control tests to ensure that renewable plants connected to the VPP comply immediately with dispatch instructions from IPTO, the Greek transmission system operator.
'Our collaboration with emsys VPP leverages their industry-leading software solutions and extensive international expertise, which are instrumental in optimizing the market potential of our RES portfolio,' says Stella Zacharia, CEO of Optimus Energy. 'We're excited to play a pivotal role in enhancing power system stability in Greece, while also accessing the emerging ancillary services market as a valuable additional revenue stream for our expanding renewable energy portfolio.'
'Our Virtual Power Plant and power forecasts already support several Greek partners in managing their renewable energy portfolios. Providing our Virtual Power Plant for the wholesale and ancillary services market to Optimus Energy marks a significant milestone in bolstering our market presence,' says Dr. Ulrich Focken, Managing Director of emsys VPP and energy & meteo systems.
About Optimus Energy
Optimus Energy is the leading renewable energy aggregator and demand response services provider in Greece, managing an extensive portfolio of almost 4 GW of installed renewable capacity and more than 250 MW of flexible load. The company provides market access solutions and insights to maximize the value and performance of renewable energy assets, flexible consumption sites and energy storage systems, navigating the everchanging energy landscape. With a strong focus on innovation and customer success, Optimus Energy is driving the transition, optimizing our sustainable energy future.
For more information please visit: www.optimusenergy.gr
About energy & meteo systems GmbH
energy & meteo systems was founded in 2004 in Oldenburg, Germany, and offers cutting-edge power forecasting services as well as differentiated consulting services for a smooth grid and market integration of variable renewable energies. The company is an international provider of accurate wind and solar power predictions for grid operators, aggregators, power traders and plant operators. The forecasting services are provided to more than 600 GW of installed solar and wind power capacity in around 60 countries.
About emsys VPP GmbH
emsys VPP is a pioneer in the development of Virtual Power Plants and ranks as a leading international provider. The sophisticated technology is offered as a Software-as-a-Service solution and digitally connects decentralized power generators, storage facilities and controllable consumers via a common control room. The Virtual Power Plant is used by numerous energy suppliers and aggregators to monitor, remotely control and profitably market aggregated electricity production.
Ulrich Kaltenbach
emsys VPP GmbH
YouTube
Legal Disclaimer:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a few seconds ago
- Yahoo
NRG Energy Secures Loan for New Texas Natural Gas Power Plant
NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG) is one of the best performing S&P 500 stocks to buy now. On August 4, NRG Energy announced that it finalized a loan agreement with the Public Utility Commission of Texas/PUCT and received initial funding for a new natural gas generation project. The project involves the construction of 2 new natural gas units at the company's existing TH Wharton power plant in Houston, as part of the Texas Energy Fund/TEF Loan Program. The 2 units will have a combined capacity of 456 MW and are expected to begin operations by the summer of 2026 in the constrained Houston load zone. Total project costs are estimated to be less than $360 million, with the 20-year TEF loan providing up to $216 million at a 3% interest rate. The loan term runs from July 31 this year through July 30, 2045. This project is the second loan agreement finalized under the TEF's In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program. Close up image of an engineer inspecting the control panel of a modern power plant. The company is pursuing additional projects under the TEF program at its Cedar Bayou and Greens Bayou sites. These 2 projects are currently in the due diligence process. If all 3 projects are approved and completed, NRG's TEF projects would bring over 1.5 GW of new natural gas generation to Texas by 2028, which is enough capacity to power more than 1.5 million homes annually. NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG) is an energy and home services company in the US and Canada. While we acknowledge the potential of NRG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Forbes
15 minutes ago
- Forbes
Portugal Golden Visa: Americans Benefit From Key Court Ruling In 2025
Aerial view of Poiso forest, Madeira Island, Portugal. getty The Portugal golden visa program has become a top choice for Americans seeking residency abroad, and recent constitutional rulings have further strengthened the program. In 2024, Forbes named Portugal the best golden visa program for investors because of the speed towards citizenship, coupled with the minimum requirement of spending two weeks in the country every year. Like every other EU golden visa, holders have access to free movement in all 27 EU countries and the Schengen area beyond, but Portugal also offers a great healthcare and education system, and social services. When Spain closed its program, both Portugal and Greece were big winners. For example, Greek government figures highlighted a monthly increase in American applications from 302 to 383 by November 2024. (Greece has one of the fastest golden visa processes, granting residency within 60 days.) By June 2025, the Portuguese government had seen a 72% increase in approvals, with Americans being the main recipients, according to information from the country's Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, AIMA. The government approved a record number of applicants, 4,987 more than the previous year. Portugal's golden visa program has raised more than $7.2 billion (€7 billion) since it was created in 2012, and most participants have been Chinese, Brazilian, and U.S. nationals. Non-Europeans can apply for fast-track residency through various options in Portugal, including a minimum $525,000 (€500,000) investment in eligible funds. The program allowed people to apply for citizenship five years after enrolling in the golden visa program. Vida Capital is a Lisbon-based golden visa fund that has seen an immense increase in American interest in gaining Portuguese citizenship over the past year—a 571% increase in traffic from the U.S. in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024. Since 2019, the foreign population in Portugal has almost tripled to 1.6 million, which accounts for about 15% of the total population, as per Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. In June 2025, the government announced plans to toughen up on how people gain residency, and it was unclear how that would impact the golden visa program. For example, the government voted to extend the period required for a foreigner to obtain citizenship to as many as 10 years from the current five (reduced to seven years for individuals hailing from the so-called Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, such as Brazil). The government also voted on introducing a need to really understand the Portuguese language and culture before acquiring a passport. Vida Capital has seen a 116% bump in U.S. traffic since the government announced citizenship these changes in June. The Constitutional Ruling Favours The Portugal Golden Visa Program The Portuguese constitutional courts this week blocked several proposals of the upcoming Foreigner's Law that the government was planning to introduce namely that all immigrants to the country would have to undergo a two-year waiting period before bringing family members to Portugal and limiting reunification to spouses and minor children. The court upheld the rights of golden visa applicants and added that AIMA must continue processing golden visa family reunification applications under the existing favorable rules. Alex Ohnona, co-founder of Vida Capital said, "the constitutional court's ruling this week actually strengthens the case to move forward now. It signals that golden visa investors will maintain their special status, including family benefits, regardless of broader immigration reforms." Tomás Assis Teixeira, a partner at CCA Law in Porto, agreed that the ruling reinforced the golden visa status. "The Court notably didn't challenge the privileged treatment of golden visa holders compared to other visa types, and specifically preserved full family reunification rights for golden visa investors, including spouses, children, and dependent parents. This demonstrates Portugal's commitment to maintaining the programme's competitive advantages." Joana Mendonça, General Counsel of Global Citizen Solutions, a consultancy specializing in residency and citizenship by investment, added that "by upholding differential treatment for investors and skilled professionals, the court has confirmed that strategic economic policy objectives can coexist with constitutional equality principles when properly structured." The Arguments For And Against A Golden Visa Program Golden visa programs allow non-nationals to gain citizenship or residency in a country through investment. Critics argue that golden visas allow applicants to bypass residency requirements that apply to the rest of the population, such as language proficiency and the need to be in a country for a specific duration before applying. Many EU countries have closed their programs because critics also argue that they sometimes enable corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Advocates argue they bring in outside investment, injecting much needed foreign capital into a country's economy. Another reason golden visas are seen as divisive is that one of the ways that many golden visa programs offer residency is in exchange for investment in real estate. Analysts and incensed locals see these as one of the main contributing drivers of increased property prices. In 2023, Portugal removed the part of the program that offered golden visas through real estate purchases, and it was a contributing factor as to why Spain closed its program entirely in April 2025. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the vast majority of these visas, 94%, were granted in connection with real estate investments in already strained housing markets. The current surge in American interest stems from many affluent families looking for a Plan B in respect of residency. However, as Forbes noted in 2025, U.S. applicants need to consider the additional cost of application fees, biometrics, and residence card issuance fees, due diligence costs, and renewal fees (every 2 years). Americans would also be liable for double taxation if they were to stay in Portugal for more than 183 days a year. Plus, to obtain actual citizenship, a language level of A2 in Portuguese would be required, as would a clean criminal record. One thing is clear, however. With European programs few and far between, interest in the Portugal golden visa will endure. Indeed, some industry insiders would go further, believing that the ruling might allow for the introduction of more favorable elements that would make it even more attractive. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How Retirement Visas For U.S. Expats Compare, Based On New Data By Alex Ledsom Forbes What It Means To Be Wealthy In Panama By Alex Ledsom Forbes The Prettiest Village In France, Voted By The French—In Pictures By Alex Ledsom
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
£40m Liverpool Star ‘Expected' to Join Bundesliga Side This Summer
Harvey Elliott's Future at Liverpool and the RB Leipzig Link Liverpool fans are bracing themselves for what could be a significant summer transfer decision regarding Harvey Elliott. Following the arrival of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, the club has opened the door for Elliott to leave, with the potential transfer fee expected to be in the region of £40-50m. With Arne Slot now entering his second season after a stunning Premier League debut campaign, the squad is evolving rapidly, and Elliott's future is at the forefront of speculation. RB Leipzig Emerges as a Leading Destination Dave Davis spoke to Trev Downey for Anfield Index and offered insight into the growing expectation that RB Leipzig could be Elliott's next destination. 'A lot of people expect it to happen. Leipzig have got the player on board too,' Davis explained. He further added, 'Spurs were in the mix but they have now pivoted away from him and part of that is because Elliott seem very much sold on the RB Leipzig project.' The German club, renowned for developing young talent, has seen the departure of Benjamin Sesko and is preparing for Xavi Simons to leave. This creates the perfect opening for Elliott to potentially become their next big star. Davis highlighted, 'Perhaps he can be their next big star,' pointing to Leipzig's ongoing commitment to nurturing young, elite players. Financial Considerations and Transfer Logistics Liverpool are reportedly considering offers in the region of £40m with a sell-on clause or £50m upfront. 'Whether it's £40m with a sell on clause or £50m upfront, they have the money to do the deal after their player sales,' Davis revealed. For a club balancing ambition and financial prudence, this fee range makes Elliott an attractive asset for both parties. It is also important to recognise the strategic implications of this move. With Elliott potentially departing, Liverpool would have the resources to further strengthen their squad, possibly reinvesting in areas aligned with Slot's tactical vision. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig can integrate Elliott into a team structured for European competition, providing him with the platform to continue developing at the highest level. Implications for Liverpool's Squad Dynamics Elliott's potential exit is not simply a transactional matter. His departure could reshape Liverpool's midfield options and offer opportunities for other emerging talents. The arrivals of Wirtz and Ekitike indicate Liverpool's intent to remain proactive in the transfer market while maintaining a blend of youth and experience. As Davis noted, the anticipation around Elliott's move is shared both across Europe and within Liverpool. 'The suspicions are across Europe and at Liverpool that Harvey Elliott will end up at RB Leipzig this summer,' he said. This consensus reflects the growing likelihood of the transfer and highlights the broader interest in Elliott's career trajectory. Liverpool supporters will watch closely over the summer, weighing the potential loss of a promising young talent against the club's evolving strategy under Arne Slot. Whether he moves to RB Leipzig or remains at Anfield, Harvey Elliott's next step promises to be a defining moment in his career.
