AUTHOR=Lu Jianchao , Zheng Jianyong , Mei Fei , Ding Yuting , Xie Yang , Gao Ang TITLE=An optimal scheduling strategy of port virtual power plant considering orderly berth allocation and green certificate-tiered carbon trading mechanism JOURNAL=Frontiers in Energy Research VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2025.1610648 DOI=10.3389/fenrg.2025.1610648 ISSN=2296-598X ABSTRACT=Ports serve as critical nodes within transportation networks and logistics chains, where the planning of ship berthing is intricately linked to energy utilization. Addressing challenges such as the allocation of port berths and insufficient integration of clean energy, we propose an optimal dispatch strategy for port virtual power plants, which incorporates orderly berth allocation and a green certificate-tiered carbon trading mechanism. The proposed model first examines the berth capacity issue by reallocating berths through a quantitative analysis of overall benefits. This approach enhances the flexibility of the energy network while ensuring adequate energy supply for ships. To facilitate the green transformation of ports, a green certificate-tiered carbon trading mechanism is embedded within the virtual power plant framework, leveraging economic incentives to guide the optimization of the port’s energy structure. This strategy effectively promotes the consumption and utilization of renewable energy at ports. Finally, we constructed four simulation scenarios to compare results, which validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The integration of orderly berth allocation and the green certificate-tiered carbon trading mechanism significantly improves the port’s operational economic efficiency and environmental protection outcomes, offering a novel approach for berth planning and energy management in port operations.