Published on 29th July 2021
China plans to add more than 30 gigawatts (GW) of new energy storage capacity by 2025, according to the state planner, as part of efforts to increase renewable energy usage while keeping the electric grid stable.
Electricity storage techniques that use electrochemical, compressed air, flywheel, and super capacitor systems are referred to as new energy storage, as opposed to pumped hydro, which uses water held behind dams to create electricity as needed.
According to the China Energy Storage Alliance, China has a total energy storage capacity of around 35 GW by 2020, with just 3.3 GW being new energy storage.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the state's economic planner, said in a statement that "Pumped hydro energy storage and new energy storage are significant technologies and basic equipment to support new power systems,"
"They are vital for promoting green energy transition, responding to extreme situations and ensuring energy security."
China, the world's largest electricity producer and carbon emitter, has stated that by 2025, renewable energy will account for more than half of its entire electricity producing capacity, up from 42 percent presently.
Since renewable energy sources change with weather conditions, ensuring consistent operation of the electrical grid system would be difficult.
At least ten Chinese regions have mandated renewable energy producers to install energy storage as a complement to solar and wind power installations.
Local energy authorities should plan for the scale and project layout of new energy storage systems in their regions, according to the NDRC, which will analyze and publish a plan for new energy storage development for 2021-2025 and beyond.
The Commission also stated that it will look at repurposing decommissioned thermal power plant sites into energy storage facilities.
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