China has announced an action plan to speed up the building of a “new electricity system” as part of the country’s efforts to pursue low-carbon development and ensure energy security.
The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission , the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the National Data Administration, outlines steps to be taken in nine areas between 2024 and 2027. Chinese authorities will work to increase the transmission of low-carbon electricity through the grid using advanced power generation, regulation, and control technologies.
The NEA said that as wind and solar power generation in China’s deserts and desertified areas increases, there are growing needs to transmit this energy to electricity consuming regions. China aims to raise the total installed capacity of wind and solar power facilities in the desert and desertified areas to 455 GW by 2030.
China also plans to upgrade its coal-fired power plants to achieve a “substantial reduction” in carbon emissions.
The plan also specifies measures aimed at ensuring the stable operation of the country’s electricity system and boosting development of the power distribution network.
China has committed to the carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.