National Energy Administration responds to hot issues such as energy transformation

Recently [Photovoltaic Information] WeChat official account (PV info) learned that on April 12, the Information Office of the State Council held a series of news conferences with the theme of "opening of authoritative departments". Zhang Jianhua, Director of the National Energy Administration, Liang Changxin, Director of the General Department and press spokesman of the National Energy Administration, Liu Deshun, Director of the Department of Energy Conservation and Scientific and Technological Equipment, and Li Chuangjun, Director of the Department of New and Renewable Energy, attended the conference and answered questions from reporters.

Zhang Jianhua said that since this year, China has accelerated the recovery of production and living, significantly increased the growth rate of industrial energy consumption, and slightly increased energy consumption. The overall supply and demand of energy across the country is stable.

Zhang Jianhua introduced that the energy industry will focus on five aspects: energy security guarantee, clean and low-carbon transformation, technological self-reliance and self-reliance, institutional and mechanism innovation, and strengthening international cooperation to comprehensively promote high-quality energy development.

1、 Make every effort to improve the level of energy security guarantee. Always regard safeguarding national energy security as the most important mission task, based on China's resource endowment, and adhere to the principle of first establishing and then breaking. On the one hand, we need to enhance the ability of fossil energy to support the bottom line, leverage the role of coal as a "ballast stone", increase oil and gas exploration and development, increase storage and production, and ensure that domestic crude oil production remains stable at the level of 200 million tons in the long term, and the self-sufficiency rate of natural gas is not less than 50%. Strengthen the supportive and regulatory role of coal electricity.

On the other hand, we will enhance the safe and reliable alternative capacity of non fossil fuels, and form a diversified clean energy supply system for wind, light, water, biomass, nuclear, hydrogen, and other sources. Promote the flexible transformation of coal power, accelerate the construction of pumped storage, peak shaving gas power and new energy storage, strengthen the transformation and upgrading of distribution network, support the access of high proportion of new energy, and fully promote the work of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking.

At the same time, we will improve the energy security monitoring and warning system, establish an energy security responsibility mechanism, strengthen the safety risk management and control of the large power grid, enhance the ability to prevent safety risks and emergency control, and make every effort to do a good job in people's livelihood work such as peak summer, peak winter, clean heating in northern regions, rural energy use, and charging infrastructure construction.

2、 Accelerate the transformation of energy consumption patterns. The key is to achieve the "three transformations".

One is the transformation of energy structure, striving to achieve an average annual growth of 1 percentage point in the proportion of non fossil energy consumption in the next five years; By 2035, 80% of the newly added electricity will come from non fossil energy generation; In the middle of this century, non fossil fuels became the main energy source.

The second is the transformation of energy systems and forms, accelerating the planning and construction of new energy systems, constructing new power systems, promoting the substitution of electricity in key areas, guiding big data centers, industrial interruptible loads, and other participants in power system regulation, and developing renewable energy non electric utilization according to local conditions.

The third is the transformation of energy spatial layout. The proportion of renewable energy in the construction of new transmission channels should not be less than 50%, and the development of distributed energy, coastal nuclear power, and offshore wind power should be accelerated to achieve coordinated development of energy "from afar" and "from around".

3、 Accelerate the promotion of energy technology self-reliance and self-improvement. Adhere to innovation driven development, actively cultivate core industrial chains and key links through mechanisms such as "unveiling and leading" and "horse racing", continuously improve independent innovation capabilities and the level of self-control of major technological equipment, and continuously improve the resilience and security level of the energy industry chain supply chain. Promote the deep integration of energy innovation chain, industry chain, capital chain, talent chain, and data chain, promote the digital and intelligent development of energy, and achieve the high-end and modernization of the energy industry value chain.

4、 Improve and unleash the vitality of the energy system and mechanism. Based on the legal system, we will accelerate the enactment of the energy law and the revision of the Electricity Law, the Coal Law and the Renewable energy law. Taking reform as the driving force, establish a unified power market system that adapts to the new power system, fully leverage the decisive role of the market in resource allocation, and break down barriers in system access, market transactions, and other aspects of new business formats and models. By taking regulation as the starting point, we aim to create a fair competitive market environment and further protect and stimulate the vitality of energy market entities. Taking policies as a guarantee, orderly connect the green certificate market, carbon market, and electricity market, and promote coordination and collaboration between the upstream and downstream of the energy industry chain.

5、 Actively create a new situation in international energy cooperation. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the the Belt and Road Initiative, and energy cooperation is a key area of the the Belt and Road Initiative. We will firmly adhere to the open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win situation, deeply promote mutually beneficial cooperation with key energy resource countries, strengthen green and low-carbon energy cooperation with developing countries, consolidate and expand energy trade cooperation channels, optimize overseas cooperation layout, strengthen the linkage of investment and development, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, consulting and design, and financial services, and deeply participate in global energy governance to promote China's new development, Provide new opportunities for the world.

The following is a transcript of the answers to the journalist's questions

Reporter: In the past two years, there has been a regional imbalance in energy supply in China, and summer is coming soon. What are the arrangements for ensuring energy supply during this summer's peak electricity consumption?

Liang Changxin: The National Energy Administration, together with local governments and enterprises, has been doing a solid job in ensuring the supply of electricity. Especially last year, it effectively responded to the challenges of summer high temperature and drought disasters and extreme water shortage. It is expected that the maximum power load in China this year may exceed 1.36 billion kilowatts, with a significant increase compared to last year. According to research, China's overall electricity supply is guaranteed this year, and some provinces may experience power shortages during peak hours. We will strengthen overall coordination and make every effort to do the following five aspects of work well:

One is to focus on monitoring, analysis, and early warning. Do a good job in monitoring the normalization of the power supply and demand situation, and during the peak summer season, follow the "one province, one policy" to ensure the power supply. Continue to closely monitor the incoming water situation and supply and demand situation in Yunnan, Guizhou, and other places before the flood season, fully consider the uncertainty of incoming water during the flood season, and prepare for the peak summer electricity supply guarantee work in advance.

The second is to increase the construction and operation of supporting power sources and transmission channels. According to the principle of "moderately leading and leaving margin", we will urge all types of power sources to be put into operation before summer and play a role in ensuring supply. Among them, the supporting power supply shall not be less than 17 million kilowatts. Continuously optimize the regional main grid structure and enhance emergency support capabilities.

The third is to ensure sufficient supply of electricity and coal. Focus on ensuring the quantity, quality, and price of electricity coal supply. Urge and guide local authorities to accelerate the handling of procedures for coal mine construction, promote the construction of approved projects to start as soon as possible, further optimize the schedule of coal mines under construction, and put them into production as soon as possible. Urge all provinces to closely follow up on the signing and performance of the long-term agreement for ensuring quality and quantity of electricity and coal, and actively carry out supervision, implementation, and coordination work.

Fourthly, we will make every effort to ensure the stable and full operation of the unit. Urge power generation enterprises to implement stable supply of coal and gas, sign long-term agreements for coal and gas with high quality and quantity, and increase efforts to supervise performance. Urge power generation enterprises to strengthen production operation and equipment maintenance management, firmly comply with scheduling instructions, and ensure that the power generation units can withstand, produce, and maintain stability.

Fifth, scientifically carry out load management work. Urge local authorities to guide social support, understanding, and participation in demand side response, further enhance demand side response capabilities, effectively alleviate peak hour pressure, and urge local authorities to further optimize and refine electricity use plans and execute them accurately.

Reporter: What are the current achievements of the "pioneering" energy industry? What are the key tasks to be done next in promoting green energy transformation?

Li Chuangjun: Energy is a key area of carbon peak carbon neutrality. We implement the decisions and deployment of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We adhere to the national conditions and reality of China, adhere to the principle of "building before breaking", and have achieved positive results in promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of energy, which strongly supports the steady progress of the dual carbon work.

One is that the green background is brighter. The installed capacity of China's wind and solar power has exceeded 100 million kilowatts for three consecutive years, and the installed capacity of renewable energy exceeded 1.2 billion kilowatts at the end of last year. Non fossil energy accounted for nearly half of the installed capacity, and over 90% of coal-fired power units achieved ultra-low emissions, with pollutant emissions comparable to those of gas and electricity. In the past three years, the proportion of coal consumption has decreased by 1.5 percentage points, the proportion of non fossil energy consumption has increased by 2.2 percentage points, and the number of charging infrastructure has increased by 3.3 times.

Secondly, the transformation momentum is stronger. New energy technology innovation has become an accelerator for energy transformation, with a number of advanced technological equipment such as efficient photovoltaic power generation and large capacity wind power maintaining a world leading level. Major technological innovations such as independent third-generation nuclear power and large-scale energy storage have achieved new breakthroughs.

Thirdly, policy guarantees are more sufficient. The implementation plan for carbon peaking in the fields of energy, coal, and petroleum has been issued and implemented, further improving the market, legal, and standard systems for promoting energy transformation.

The next step is to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of energy, with a focus on four aspects of work:

One is to continuously increase the supply of non fossil fuels, accelerate the adjustment and optimization of energy structure, and increase the proportion of non fossil energy consumption by about 1 percentage point annually before 2030.

The second is to focus on reducing the "carbon footprint" of the energy industry chain, promoting the electrification transformation of energy production equipment, gradually and orderly phasing out outdated production capacity, promoting the integrated development of coal mines, oil and gas fields, and new energy, and continuously improving the level of energy conservation and carbon reduction in the energy production process.

The third is to actively promote the clean and low-carbon use of terminal energy, and deeply promote the substitution of electricity in industries, construction, transportation, and other fields. By 2025, the electrification level of terminal energy will reach around 30%. The fourth is to strengthen the guarantee of green and low-carbon technology innovation and transformation mechanisms, increase efforts to tackle low-carbon, zero carbon, and negative carbon technologies, and continuously improve the institutional mechanisms and policy systems for promoting energy transformation.

Reporter: In recent years, China's energy transformation has been continuously advancing in depth, laying a foundation for the development of the new energy system? What are the next development goals and tasks?

Zhang Jianhua: In the past 10 years of the new era, under the guidance of the new energy security strategy, energy development has made a series of breakthroughs, laying a solid foundation for planning and constructing a new energy system. The green and low-carbon transformation stands at a new starting point, with the installed capacity of non fossil energy power generation increasing 2.8 times in 10 years, reaching 1.27 billion kilowatts, accounting for 49.5% of the total installed capacity; The proportion of non fossil energy consumption increased by 7.8 percentage points to 17.5%. Energy security has reached a new level, and the energy supply system driven by multiple wheels of coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy has been continuously improved. The total energy production has increased by 33% in 10 years, effectively ensuring the overall stability of energy supply and demand, energy prices, and supporting the annual average growth of the national economy of over 6%. Innovative development has entered a new track, and the clean energy industry has formed a global leading advantage. Photovoltaic and wind power key components account for 70% of the global market share. The research and application of new technologies such as efficient photovoltaic power generation, large capacity wind power, "Hualong No.1" nuclear power, and new energy storage have accelerated, and new models and forms of energy development are constantly emerging.

Accelerating the planning and construction of a new energy system is to deepen the energy revolution and promote the transformation of the energy system to present the "three new" aspects, namely the "new" energy structure, the "new" industrial system, and the "new" energy supply and consumption mode. One is to promote the green transformation of energy production and consumption methods, and accelerate the transformation of main energy sources from fossil fuels to non fossil fuels. The second is to form a modern energy industry system, strengthen strategic and forward-looking major scientific and technological breakthroughs, actively promote the construction of new power systems, and promote the clean, low-carbon, and efficient utilization of fossil fuels. The third is to build a resilient energy industry chain supply chain, continuously enhance the ability to regulate energy production, supply, and reserves, balance cross regional transportation and regional autonomy, and promote the transformation of energy supply and consumption models towards multi energy complementarity and integration of source, network, load, and storage.

Reporter: At the beginning of last year, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration issued the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Construction of a National Unified Electricity Market System". What progress has been made in the past year? What is the focus of the next step of work?

Liang Changxin: Over the past year, the construction of the electricity market has been steadily and orderly advancing, and the proportion of market-oriented trading electricity has further increased. The role of the market in optimizing resource allocation has significantly enhanced.

One is that the multi-level electricity market system is more sound. At present, market-oriented transactions at the provincial (district, city) level continue to deepen, and cross provincial and cross regional market-oriented transactions are steadily advancing. Regular operation of mid to long-term transactions between provinces, long-term trial operation of spot transactions between provinces, and trial operation of power regulation in the southern regional power market have been carried out. In 2022, the market-oriented trading of electricity has reached 60% of the total social electricity consumption.

The second is to improve the market-oriented trading mechanism for electricity. The medium to long-term and auxiliary service markets have achieved full coverage, and six spot pilot areas such as Shanxi have entered long-term uninterrupted settlement trial operation. The number of various market entities registered with power trading institutions exceeds 600000, and coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable energy power generation orderly participate in the market. The market mechanism has played a role in optimizing resource allocation, promoting the consumption of renewable energy, and ensuring power supply.

The next step is to accelerate the construction of a unified national electricity market system guided by adapting to the new energy system and accelerating the construction of the new power system. One is to improve the multi-level unified power market system, steadily promote the construction of provincial (district, city) and regional power markets, enhance the marketization of cross provincial and cross regional transactions, and strengthen market connectivity. The second is to strengthen the connection between power trading varieties, continuously improve the medium to long term market and auxiliary service market, and actively and steadily promote the construction of the spot market. The third is to cultivate diversified market entities and improve the mechanisms for new energy and new market entities to participate in the electricity market.

Reporter: After years of development, China has become the world's largest producer and consumer of renewable energy. May I ask, what are the main challenges facing the development of renewable energy in China? How will we respond?

  Currently, the main challenges faced by the development of renewable energy include the following:

Firstly, in terms of grid connected consumption, with the rapid development of new energy, traditional power systems cannot adapt to the requirements of large-scale and high proportion development of new energy in planning, construction, scheduling, and operation. In some areas, the pressure on grid connected consumption of new energy is relatively high.

Secondly, in terms of factor guarantee, there is a large demand for land in the development of new energy. To achieve large-scale development of renewable energy, it is necessary to further strengthen policy coordination with relevant departments in terms of land and sea use, ecological and environmental protection, etc.

Thirdly, in terms of consumption and utilization, in order to actively adapt to the new requirements of the transformation from "dual control" of energy consumption to "dual control" of total carbon emissions and intensity, it is necessary to further guide the initiative of the entire society to consume and utilize renewable energy.

In response to the above challenges, we will accelerate the planning and construction of a new energy system, focusing on the following three aspects of work:

One is to accelerate the construction of a new type of power system. Coordinate the safe and stable operation of the power system, ensure the reliable supply of electricity and the consumption and utilization of new energy, comprehensively improve the regulatory capacity and flexibility of the power system, and ensure that new energy is "produced, supplied, and used well".

The second is to coordinate energy security and food security. Increase research on policies related to the use of composite land and sea for new energy projects, promote the development and efficient land conservation of new energy composite projects, and ensure the implementation of major projects.

The third is to promote the formation of green and low-carbon production and lifestyle. We will improve the green power certificate system, promptly introduce policies that fully cover renewable energy green power certificates, promote the consumption of renewable energy electricity, clarify the authority, universality, uniqueness, and dominance of green certificates, expand the scope of green certificate issuance and trading, promote full coverage of green certificate issuance, and create an atmosphere of renewable energy electricity consumption in society as a whole, Encourage all energy consuming units in society to actively assume the social responsibility of renewable energy electricity consumption, and promote green, low-carbon transformation and high-quality development of the economy and society.

Reporter: The "Overall Layout Plan for the Construction of Digital China" proposes to promote the deep integration of digital technology and the real economy, and accelerate the innovative application of digital technology in key fields such as agriculture, industry, finance, education, healthcare, transportation, and energy. Excuse me, numbers