近年来多地出现“负电价” 既然卖电“不挣钱”，为何电厂不愿停机？

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of negative electricity prices in China's power spot market, particularly in Sichuan, reflects a growing trend influenced by supply-demand imbalances and market mechanisms, raising questions about the implications for power generation companies and the overall energy market [1][2][12]. Group 1: Negative Electricity Prices - Negative electricity prices have been increasingly observed across various provinces in China, with the phenomenon evolving from isolated incidents to a more widespread occurrence [2][3]. - In 2019, Shandong was the first province to report negative electricity prices, with a clearing price of -0.04 yuan/kWh, and this trend has continued with significant durations of negative pricing in subsequent years [2][3]. - As of 2024, negative prices accounted for approximately 11% of the day-ahead market and 14% of the real-time market in Shandong [2]. Group 2: Causes of Negative Prices - The formation of negative prices is attributed to structural imbalances in electricity supply and demand, exacerbated by high penetration of renewable energy sources and limitations in traditional power system adjustments [5][6]. - Two main categories of causes for negative prices are identified: inherent negative prices due to high renewable penetration and mechanism-induced negative prices linked to specific market designs [6][8]. - Inherent negative prices occur when traditional power sources face operational constraints, leading them to offer negative prices to avoid higher costs associated with frequent start-stop cycles [6][7]. Group 3: Market Mechanisms and Impacts - The design of electricity market mechanisms, such as incentives for renewable energy development and long-term contract structures, can significantly influence the frequency of negative prices [8][9]. - High proportions of long-term contracts can stabilize overall revenues for power generation companies, even in the presence of negative spot prices, leading to a situation where negative prices do not equate to negative profits [11][12]. - The inability of retail electricity prices to respond effectively to wholesale market signals, particularly during periods of high renewable generation, prolongs the duration of negative prices without benefiting end-users [10][12]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The transition to a market-driven pricing mechanism for new renewable projects starting in 2025 may reduce the frequency of negative pricing, but the overall trend of negative prices may persist due to ongoing market dynamics [14][15]. - Experts suggest that a comprehensive understanding of negative prices, along with improved market design and monitoring systems, is essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure the stability of the electricity system [15].