1) Familiarizes with concepts, key components, and system architecture of practical VPPs. 2) Discusses the role of VPPs in future energy communities 3) Explores smart functionalities and advance algorithms for energy management and de-carbonization within the VPP. 4) Introduces novel business models for flexibility services in different time frames, local and global markets. 5) Discusses smart contract concept and peer-to-peer trading models within a VPP. 6) Includes application of emerging technologies in the context of VPP such as blockchain, digital twin, distributed ledger technology, etc.