Core Viewpoint - Shaanxi province, rich in coal and oil resources, is undergoing a green transformation as the first national energy revolution innovation demonstration zone in China, balancing energy security and low-carbon development [1] Group 1: Transition to Green Energy - Shaanxi's energy structure has historically been dominated by coal, with coal production accounting for one-fourth of the national total and thermal power capacity exceeding 60% at one point [2] - By the end of 2024, the province's installed capacity of renewable energy is expected to exceed 60 million kilowatts, representing 41% of the total power generation capacity [2] - The emergence of virtual power plants offers a solution to the challenges posed by the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy sources [2] Group 2: Implementation of Virtual Power Plants - In November 2023, the State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company established a comprehensive provincial virtual power plant management platform, aggregating 800,000 kilowatts of adjustable resources from 241 users, equivalent to the capacity of a large thermal power plant, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 900,000 tons annually [2] - During the summer peak electricity demand, a virtual microgrid was created in Xi'an, achieving a load reduction of 1,000 kilowatts during peak hours, alleviating pressure on the grid [3] Group 3: Collaborative Efforts and Market Participation - The virtual power plant model enables collaboration between previously isolated wind farms and industrial parks, facilitating a "thousand-mile collaboration" [4] - The first virtual power plant in the province participated in a simulated settlement of the electricity spot market, aggregating resources with a maximum capacity of 40,000 kilowatts and simulating a transaction of 131.8 million kilowatt-hours [4] Group 4: Policy and Technical Framework - The implementation of virtual power plants is supported by policies and technical standards, including the "Implementation Plan for Virtual Power Plant Construction and Operation" issued in June 2025 [5] - The first provincial technical standard for virtual power plants was approved in July 2023, guiding the initial three virtual power plants in completing dual scenario validations with maximum upward and downward adjustment capacities of 78,000 and 132,000 kilowatts, respectively [5] Group 5: Vision for Sustainable Development - The ultimate goal of virtual power plants is to create a participatory green energy ecosystem, allowing all stakeholders to benefit from the green transition [6] - The virtual power plant initiative exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of traditional and renewable energy sources, activating Shaanxi's green potential and contributing to the "Two Mountains" concept [6]

Core Insights - The maximum electricity load in China surpassed 1.5 billion kilowatts for the first time on July 16, indicating robust economic resilience despite high temperatures [1][2] - The increase in peak load has heightened supply challenges, but the electricity system has shown improved stability compared to previous years [1][6] - The interplay between the electricity system and industrial transformation is becoming increasingly evident, with emerging industries like electric vehicles and artificial intelligence contributing to the new energy ecosystem [1][11] Electricity Load Trends - The national maximum electricity load reached 15.06 million kilowatts, equivalent to lighting 150 billion 100-watt bulbs simultaneously, marking a new historical record [2] - Since the beginning of summer, 16 provincial power grids have broken historical load records 36 times, with Guangdong being the first province to exceed 1.6 million kilowatts [2][4] - The electricity demand is significantly influenced by industrial usage, particularly in manufacturing, as evidenced by Guangdong's electricity consumption growth [2][4] Supply and Demand Management - The electricity supply system has transitioned from rigid supply to flexible response, enhancing the ability to manage peak loads [6][7] - New energy storage solutions and cross-regional electricity sharing are critical in addressing supply challenges, with examples like Jiangsu's large-scale energy storage initiatives [6][8] - The establishment of a national electricity dispatch model allows for efficient resource allocation from surplus areas to load centers, mitigating regional imbalances [9] Industrial and Technological Integration - New energy storage facilities, such as the two rivers dragon energy storage station, play a vital role in balancing supply and demand by storing excess energy during low-demand periods [10] - Electric vehicle companies like NIO are integrating renewable energy solutions into their operations, contributing to the new energy ecosystem [11] - Data centers (IDCs) are evolving to not only consume energy but also provide flexible support to the grid, enhancing overall system resilience [11][12] Future Considerations - Experts warn that if macroeconomic growth exceeds expectations, electricity demand may surge, posing new challenges for supply management [12] - The future of electricity supply during peak seasons will require addressing issues such as clean energy absorption, market-driven demand response, and reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP [12]