Collaborative strategy towards a resilient urban energy system: Evidence from a tripartite evolutionary game model

Abstract

Extreme natural disasters are occurring with increasing frequency worldwide, posing unprecedented challenges to urban energy systems. In this study, an evolutionary game approach is employed to examine the interactive behavior among the grid, virtual power plant operators, and users, focusing on enhancing the resilience of urban energy systems. The impact of long-term power system development on the simulation outcomes has been examined. Key parameters in the game model are determined through numerical simulation. The evolutionary stabilization strategies of individual actors and the system have been analyzed holistically. According to the simulation results, as the benefit per unit of load restoration increases from 40 to 1000, all three parties increasingly prioritize resilience in their decision-making processes. Notably, when the benefit per unit of load restoration is 40, grid firms tend to disregard resilience. To enhance power system resilience, especially in the context of a high percentage of renewable energy generation, the utility grid should prioritize managing the integration of renewable energy into the grid. Moreover, there is a growing public interest in participating in dynamic demand response programs for incentives. In addition, within certain parameters, the objective of increasing renewable energy consumption may conflict with the aim of improving power system resilience. Virtual power plant operators are unlikely to introduce new renewable energy projects if the return is below 0.0325 Yuan/kWh. This study may offer strategic recommendations for enhancing long-term power system resilience, providing valuable insights for practical and realistic planning.