煤电也可以变得更“绿”

Core Viewpoint - The transition of coal power from a basic support source to a regulatory support source is a significant adjustment in its positioning, driven by the increasing share of renewable energy in the new power system [1]. Group 1: Importance of Coal Power - Despite the rise of renewable energy and carbon neutrality discussions, coal power upgrades are still necessary, as evidenced by the fact that in 2024, coal power in Sichuan, which accounts for less than 10% of the total installed capacity, will provide over one-third of the electricity during the dry season [2]. - Coal power remains a "ballast" for ensuring stable electricity supply, playing a crucial role in the power system despite the growth of renewable energy [2]. Group 2: Upgrading Coal Power - The focus of the new generation of coal power upgrades is on cleaner, low-carbon transitions and flexible, efficient upgrades, aiming to "burn less coal, generate more electricity, and reduce more carbon" [3]. - Specific projects, such as the systematic upgrade of the Guoneng Jiujiang Power Plant, have demonstrated that through 17 key technologies, boiler efficiency can be improved by an average of 3.56%, allowing for a wide load adjustment of 30% to 100% and reducing CO2 emissions by over 120,000 tons annually [3]. - The core of developing the new generation of coal power lies in effectively releasing and enhancing its flexible adjustment potential at a lower economic cost, while avoiding complex and unreliable "add-on" systems [3]. Group 3: Technological Pathways - It is essential to align the chosen technological pathways for coal power's low-carbon transition with cost-effectiveness and carbon goals, including evaluating construction costs, operational reliability, and coal adaptability before upgrades [4].