China Electric Power News:

The construction of a new type of power system with new energy as the mainstay was initially proposed at the ninth meeting of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs. What problems will the new system mainly target? The large-scale integration of new energy into the power grid has demonstrated randomness, discontinuity and fluctuation, making it not easy to keep the real-time balance of the system. So how will you ensure the stable supply of electricity and the safety of energy? Thank you. 

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your questions. Huang Xuenong, director of the Department of Electricity, will answer your questions. 

Huang Xuenong:

To achieve the goals of peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality, we regard energy as the main battle field and electricity as the main force. The construction of a new power system proposed at the ninth meeting of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs was an inevitable decision we made to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. As is the core feature of the new system, new energy will become the main source of power supply. We have to face up to the fluctuation and discontinuity of new energy which you just mentioned. In a bid to make the power system clean and low-carbon, safe and reliable, smart and flexible, and cost-effective and efficient, we will innovate in equipment technology as well as systems and mechanisms, make sure various forms of energy are interconnected and complement each other, and promote the deep integration of power generation, the grid, load and storage. Next, I will introduce the measures in five aspects. 

First, we are striving to build a power generation, supply, storage and sales system in line with the large-scale development of new energy to ensure the safety and reliability of electricity. As for how to ensure the safe supply, that is a good question. The safe supply of electricity is the bottom line for building the new power system as well as a significant task for us. Here are some measures: First, we will give play to the power grid as a platform for allocating resources. Second, we will promote the construction of the power grid at a regional level. Third, we will rationally promote the construction of supporting and fundamental power sources. Fourth, we will build a multi-layered, properly scaled, safe and reliable power system, strengthen electricity security and its capacity for resisting disasters, and steadily enhance the intrinsic safety of the electricity industry.

Second, we are concentrating efforts to improve the flexible adjustment ability of the power system. Mr. Zhang made a detailed introduction just now. When addressing the issue of idle capacity in wind and solar power, I mentioned that we will improve the flexible adjustment ability of the power system from various aspects including power supply, the grid, demand and energy storage to meet the requirements for the large-scale integration of new energy into the power grid. After the integration, wind and solar power should not lie idle in large amounts, nor the shortage of power should be allowed. We will ensure the safety of power supply. In spite of the fluctuation and discontinuity of new energy, the new system, based on its flexible adjustments, can be turned into one that is user-friendly and ensures the supply. 

Third, we are putting forth efforts to promote the interconnection and integration of power generation, the grid, load and storage, and improve the system efficiency to meet the diversified needs of various types of users. We will guide new patterns and forms of business in the electricity sector toward sustainable and sound development. Regarding the supply side, we will make various energy sources complement each other and keep them optimized. Regarding the consumption side, we will promote the deep integration of electric heating and air conditioning. We will continue to improve the service of electricity, and realize the full utilization of a high proportion of new energy and the harmonious coexistence of multiple kinds of energy sources. We will promote the interconnection between the power system and advanced information and communications technologies, develop new business patterns and improve comprehensive energy services. 

Fourth, we are striving to make technological breakthroughs in key technologies of the new power system, carry out experiments and demonstrations, and promote their application. We will promote the deep integration of electrical technology with advanced information and communications technologies including artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things to form a key technology system with our own independent intellectual property rights. We will concentrate on tackling bottlenecks in key technologies, accelerate their research, development and application, and launch innovative demonstration projects featuring the new power system. 

Another key factor is to push ahead with the establishment of the electricity market, promote innovations in systems and mechanisms, and build a market system for the new power system. We will let the market play the decisive role in allocating resources and let the government play its role better. We will accelerate the establishment of the electricity market system featuring unification, openness and orderly competition through the constant improvements of the electricity market mechanism, operating mechanism and price mechanism. That's all. Thank you.