Core Insights - The recent auction results for renewable energy prices in Shandong province mark a significant breakthrough in the market-oriented reform of electricity pricing for renewable energy sources [1][3] - The auction results indicate that wind power was awarded a total of 5.967 billion kilowatt-hours at a bid price of 0.319 yuan per kilowatt-hour, while solar power received 1.248 billion kilowatt-hours at a bid price of 0.225 yuan per kilowatt-hour [1][5] - Shandong province has implemented the first provincial-level market-oriented pricing reform for renewable energy in the country, allowing all wind and solar power generation to enter the electricity market [1][5] Summary by Sections Auction Results - The total scale of the mechanism electricity volume for the auction was set at 9.467 billion kilowatt-hours, with a bidding process that attracted over 3,000 renewable energy projects [5] - A total of 1,200 projects were selected in this auction, which is expected to shift the revenue model for renewable energy projects from guaranteed purchases and state subsidies to market-based revenues and competitive bidding [5] Mechanism Pricing - The mechanism pricing system is designed to provide a "dynamic price insurance" for power generation companies, ensuring compensation when market prices fall below the mechanism price and requiring refunds of excess profits when market prices exceed it [3][5] - The mechanism price is determined through a competitive bidding process, which allows for effective competition in pricing while ensuring reasonable growth in renewable energy volume [3][5] Impact on Energy Structure - The reform is expected to guide the energy structure towards a more diversified approach, promoting the integration of wind, solar, and storage technologies [5] - The pricing reform will not affect electricity prices for residential and agricultural users, while commercial electricity prices may fluctuate within reasonable limits based on supply and demand and the development of renewable energy [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of market-oriented pricing mechanisms for renewable energy in China, emphasizing the transition to a market-driven electricity pricing system as outlined in the "136 Document" issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration [1][12]. Summary by Sections Basic Comparison - "Mechanism electricity price" is designed as a transitional support policy to ensure reasonable returns for new renewable energy projects, formed through market competition rather than fixed subsidies [2]. Mechanism Electricity Pricing - For existing projects, the mechanism electricity price is linked to the benchmark price of coal-fired power, with typical prices ranging from 0.25 to 0.45 yuan per kilowatt-hour. Different provinces have specific pricing structures, with Xinjiang providing detailed classifications for subsidized and non-subsidized projects [3]. Mechanism Electricity Volume - The "mechanism electricity volume" is the guaranteed minimum electricity volume for renewable projects, ensuring basic returns through a price difference settlement mechanism [3]. Execution Period - The execution period for mechanism electricity prices is designed to ensure long-term investment returns for existing projects, with typical durations based on the project's lifecycle or a fixed number of years [5]. Competitive Mechanism - The competitive mechanism for pricing involves two aspects: projects included in the mechanism must participate in market trading, and a competitive bidding process is established for new projects before they enter the mechanism [7]. Market Participation - Projects included in the mechanism must participate in market trading, with price settlements based on market averages. For example, in Xinjiang, projects can participate without mandatory reporting of volume or price [8]. Mechanism Volume Competition - Different provinces have varying approaches to competition for mechanism electricity volume, with some using marginal clearing methods and others determining prices based on bids [11]. Policy Implementation and Transition - The implementation of the "136 Document" has accelerated the marketization of renewable energy, with significant growth in installed capacity. By May 2025, the total installed capacity reached 3.61 billion kilowatts, with solar and wind power showing substantial year-on-year growth [12][13]. Regional Policy Examples - Xinjiang has maintained strong support for existing projects, ensuring a smooth transition by linking new policies with previous ones. In contrast, Inner Mongolia has a high degree of marketization, allowing for a quicker shift to full market trading without mandatory price difference settlements [13][14]. Future Outlook - As the "136 Document" is further implemented, renewable energy development will increasingly align with electricity market dynamics, and the storage industry will transition from mandatory storage to market competition [14].