National Energy Administration: Actively Expanding Non-Electric Applications of New Energy Sources!

On August 26, the State Council Information Office held a series of thematic press conferences titled "High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan," highlighting the achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Period.

Du Zhongming, Director-General of the Electricity Department at the National Energy Administration, stated at the meeting that effectively integrating new energy sources into the grid is a systematic undertaking. Given the intermittent, random, and fluctuating characteristics of wind and photovoltaic power generation, the National Energy Administration will accelerate the development of a new-type power system, comprehensively enhancing the power system's ability to accommodate renewable energy. Key priorities include focusing on five specific areas of work:

First, stability in scenery is essential. Addressing the inherent instability of new energy sources, we must accelerate the development of system-friendly new-energy power plants. By enhancing the accuracy of wind and solar power generation forecasts, we can ensure that both power plants and the grid maintain a clear understanding of energy supply and demand. Additionally, adopting an integrated multi-energy complementary development model—combining wind, solar, hydro, and thermal resources—and implementing coordinated control operations will strengthen the autonomous regulation and proactive support capabilities of wind and photovoltaic power generation.

Second, the system must be strong. Building on the strategic guidance for categorizing and rationally planning various types of new energy development—such as centralized and distributed approaches—we will collaboratively strengthen the construction of main grids, distribution networks, and microgrids, thereby enhancing the overall grid capacity to meet the growing demand for large-scale integration of new energy sources. Actively promoting the development of inter-provincial transmission channels and flexible inter-provincial power-sharing projects, we will reinforce the backbone grid structure, accelerate the upgrading and transformation of distribution networks, and tailor smart microgrid initiatives to local conditions. At the same time, we will significantly boost the power system's regulation capabilities through next-generation coal-fired power plant upgrades, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and innovative energy storage technologies.

Third, the market must be large. Accelerate the establishment of a nationwide unified electricity market system, refine power market mechanisms tailored to the unique characteristics of new energy generation, support the participation of high proportions of new energy in market activities, and expand the scale of market-based trading for renewable energy. Optimize inter-provincial power transactions, strengthen regional capabilities for mutual assistance and resource sharing, and promote the optimized allocation of new energy across broader geographic areas.

Fourth, electricity usage must be flexible. Fully leverage the flexible regulation capabilities on the demand side, steadily expand the aggregation scale of virtual power plants, and broaden the large-scale application of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interactions, thereby better facilitating the local consumption of new energy resources.

Fifth, policies must deliver strong support. Deeply advance the reform of the power system and mechanisms, fostering both the transmission and consumption of new energy while simultaneously developing new business models—such as direct green-power connections—that enable nearby consumption of renewable energy, thereby expanding the scenarios for new-energy integration and enhancing the efficiency of renewable-energy resource utilization.

Du Zhongming revealed that while continuously enhancing the capacity to integrate new energy sources into the power grid, the National Energy Administration will also Actively explore non-electric applications for new energy sources, and promote the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen produced via wind, solar, and photovoltaic power. And extend into areas such as green hydrogen metallurgy, green ammonia synthesis, green methanol, and green aviation fuel, opening up new avenues for consumption and utilization.

Source: National Energy Administration