China is the world's largest consumer of electricity, and its demand is expected to double by the next decade , and triple by 2035. In 2010, 70 percent of the country's electricity generation came from coal-fired power plants, but the Chinese government is investing heavily in renewable energy technologies. As of 2013, 21 percent of China's electricity generation comes from renewable so.
Why is China moving from a traditional power grid to a smart grid?
The author analyzes the reasons for China's moving from a traditional power grid to a smart grid, followed by an introduction of the investment in smart grids in China (Part II); because smart grids are modernized power grids, the general regulatory mechanism over power grids still applies.
Does China need a smart grid?
China's latest goal is to increase renewable energy to 9.5 percent of overall primary energy use by 2015. To implement China's new clean energy capacity into the national power grid, and to improve the reliability of the country's existing infrastructure, requires significant upgrades and ultimately, a smart grid.
What is a smart grid?
Smart grid is the essential platform which enables the renewable energy system. Smart grid (SG) can contribute to the renewable-based low carbon energy system in three ways. First, SG can enhance energy efficiency by improving the operation of traditional power plants and power grids.
Does China have a power grid?
In parallel to policy advancement, there are encouraging technical innovations and many pilot projects implemented by the two grid companies in China . The cumulative investment in the construction of power grids accounts for roughly 36.2% of the total investment in the power sector.
How much will China invest in smart grid technology?
China's national utility, the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), announced plans to invest $250 billion in electric power infrastructure upgrades over the next five years, of which $45 billion is earmarked for smart grid technologies. Another $240 billion between 2016 and 2020 will be added to complete the smart grid project. .
Could China's Smart Grid be a new platform for gloChinazation?
Finally, the smart grid could enable China's grid companies to build a new platform for gloChinazation in the same manner as Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) did, which used its experience in smart grid technologies to create advantageous international partnerships.