The China Energy Model Forum (CEMF) Salon's second session focused on energy hot topics, with the theme "Uninterrupted Power Supply in Extreme Weather - The Transformation of Power Systems under New Variables of Extreme Weather." The salon invited energy experts, power sector specialists, and energy researchers for an in-depth dialogue, exploring the resilience and stability of power systems from the perspectives of technology, policy, and system development in the context of the dual carbon goals. The salon was presented in a brand new video format and encouraged audience participation in the discussion and question-and-answer session. You're welcome to click and watch the video replay.
The China Energy Model Forum (CEMF) Salon series is one of the latest activities introduced by the China Energy Model Forum. It invites industry experts to engage in relaxed expert dialogues, sharing the latest research achievements and expert insights, and exploring the platform for the future development of energy transformation.
This salon featured Professor Zhu Lei from Beihang University as the host, engaging in an in-depth dialogue on how the new power system can cope with frequent extreme weather, ensure power security, and enhance supply capacity. The participants included researcher Gao Lin from Beijing Huairou Laboratory, Su Ming from the Energy Research Institute of the China Macroeconomic Research Academy, Liu Canqi, a professional supervisor from China Huadian Corporation Limited, and Jiang Dalin, Deputy Director of the Energy Market Analysis Research Department at the Institute of Technology and Economics of the State Power Group.
The host initiated the discussion from a technical perspective, focusing on how to ensure the resilience and stability of the power system. They also expressed the desire for the guests to share noteworthy new technologies within the context of the near-to-mid-term goals of peaking emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.
From the perspective of the fluctuation overlay between energy production and consumption, Gao Lin mentioned, "Under the national voluntary contributions, China has raised its expectations for the share of renewable energy. This has a significant impact on renewable energy production. The difficulty of storing renewable energy will further exacerbate the fluctuation on both the production and consumption sides. He pointed out that in the future, thermal power plants will undoubtedly play a role in peak shaving. Energy storage technology and peak shaving techniques for thermal power plants will be the technologies that need attention in the near term. As the proportion of renewable energy increases, thermal power plants will have to yield to renewable energy, transitioning from being the main electricity producers to responding to load demand."
Regarding the question of how to ensure power supply in the process of "regional integration," Su Ming pointed out that frequent extreme weather events occur rapidly and have a significant impact not only on the load of large urban clusters but also on electricity consumption. Extreme weather greatly affects the power output of renewable energy generation, making it challenging to maintain supply-demand balance. There are two main issues: Firstly, the enhancement of demand-side response capabilities should be emphasized in power system planning. Secondly, market mechanisms should play a role in allowing price signals to have a greater impact on the construction of the new power system.
Liu Canqi pointed out that in order to achieve the dual carbon goals, it is still necessary to have the support of flexible transformation and peak shaving in thermal power generation to cope with extreme weather events in the short term. Huaian Corporation has responded to the dual carbon policy by conducting CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) demonstration projects. However, the cost of carbon capture is currently too high, and it is necessary to first develop the carbon-related industrial chain to make it economically viable. With advancements in energy storage technology, thermal power generation and non-thermal power generation need to work together. It is not a matter of eliminating either one but rather advancing harmoniously and steadily towards the dual carbon goals. This requires the government to play a guiding role and implement supportive policies.
Jiang Dalin mentioned that the scientific understanding and certainty of climate change are increasing. In the future, extreme weather events such as extreme heat, droughts, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Therefore, the regularity of climate and meteorology needs to be scientifically assessed, such as the interannual fluctuations of wind and solar energy. The large-scale development of clean energy and the clean development of fossil fuels can support and complement each other. By taking this characteristic approach, China can address climate change and achieve the dual carbon goals.
This salon focused on raising scientific questions, and it is acknowledged that certain cutting-edge issues may not have definitive answers at the moment. However, through the salon, experts and scholars were able to brainstorm and contribute valuable insights to the development of the new power system. It provided a platform for generating new ideas and approaches for the construction of the new power system.
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