焦点访谈丨“风光水”与“煤油气”如何协同发展电力新格局？一文详解

Core Viewpoint - By the end of 2024, China's installed capacity of renewable energy generation will surpass that of thermal power for the first time, marking significant progress in energy structure transformation. However, this transition is challenging due to the instability of renewable energy and the need for traditional energy sources to ensure grid stability. A unified national electricity market is essential for optimizing power resource allocation and facilitating market participation of both renewable and traditional energy sources [1][21]. Group 1: Current State of Energy Transition - As of 2024, the installed capacity of renewable energy in Shanxi province has increased from 11% in 2015 to over 42%, with expectations to reach nearly 50% by the end of 2025 [21]. - The total electricity consumption in China is projected to be 63% from market-based transactions in 2024, with cross-provincial and cross-regional market transactions reaching 1.4 trillion kilowatt-hours, a tenfold increase since 2016 [21]. - The construction of a unified electricity market is progressing, with the goal of establishing a national market by 2025, which will revolutionize resource allocation and modernize governance capabilities [21]. Group 2: Challenges Faced - The transition to renewable energy has been complicated by the inability of many provinces to absorb renewable energy due to insufficient system adjustment capabilities, particularly during winter when thermal power is needed for heating [5][9]. - The gradual reduction of subsidies for renewable energy has led to a slowdown in investment from many renewable energy companies, compounding the challenges of energy consumption and market participation [5][9]. - Traditional thermal power plants face difficulties as they must adjust their output based on the fluctuating availability of renewable energy, which can lead to reduced revenues and operational challenges [7][9]. Group 3: Market Mechanisms and Innovations - The establishment of a market mechanism is crucial for revealing the true value of various energy sources, allowing them to respond to price signals and optimize resource allocation [11]. - The introduction of green electricity trading has opened new revenue streams for renewable energy companies, with green electricity transactions reaching 2.336 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2024, a 235% increase year-on-year [15]. - The marketization process has allowed thermal power plants to adapt by providing services during high electricity prices and collaborating with renewable energy sources to ensure grid stability, thus creating new revenue opportunities [17][19].