林伯强：必须将煤电作为新型能源体系的重要基础设施

Core Viewpoint - The coal power system should be regarded as a crucial infrastructure for the new energy system in China, emphasizing the importance of coal power in supporting the rapid development of renewable energy through technological advancements and institutional reforms [1][6][10] Necessity of Coal Power System - The current focus of the new energy system construction is on renewable energy, primarily wind and solar power, which, despite their clean and low-emission advantages, face stability issues due to weather dependency [2][4] - Coal power has historically been the mainstay of China's energy system, with the country possessing the largest and most advanced coal power system globally. The average lifespan of coal power units in China is around 12 years, significantly younger than the designed lifespan of approximately 40 years [2][3] Importance of Coal Power in New Energy System - Coal power plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring stable electricity supply and maintaining energy security, especially as the share of unstable renewable energy sources increases [4][10] - The coal power system can quickly provide stable electricity supply during peak demand and when renewable energy output is insufficient, thus ensuring normal societal operations [4][10] Technological Advancements and Flexibility - With the integration of new technologies such as flexibility retrofitting and carbon capture and storage (CCS), the coal power system can reduce emissions while helping balance supply and demand in the electricity system [5][8] - The existing coal power units can be retrofitted at a lower cost to provide significant flexible resources for the grid, enhancing overall operational efficiency [5][9] Policy Recommendations for Coal Power Transition - Recognizing the critical role of coal power in the new energy system, it is essential to rationally plan coal power capacity and retain advanced coal power units while gradually reducing operational hours instead of dismantling them [7][10] - Promoting flexibility retrofitting of coal power units and supporting the development of CCS technology are vital for enabling coal power to play a more significant role in the new energy system [8][9] - Further market reforms are needed to reflect the value of coal power as a flexible and backup energy source, ensuring adequate compensation and pricing mechanisms to sustain its operation [9][10]