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Why is China's power grid creaking?

China ’s creaking grid represents a major constraint to progress on its green energy transition. During the first four months of this year alone, China invested Rmb122.9bn ($17bn) in its power grid projects, a 24.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

Why is China focusing on ultrahigh-voltage power transmission networks?

China vows to continue accelerating domestic grid network construction this year with a focus on ultrahigh-voltage power transmission networks amid efforts to further ensure power supply stability and boost green power consumption in the country. Analysts said the projects will further ensure China meets its carbon neutrality target.

Can interconnectivity help China's Grid weather the challenges posed?

Further interconnectivity between provinces is the answer to help China’s grid weather the growing challenges posed by surging power demand and unpredictable climate, Zheng says. Currently, provinces are connected in six regional grids and trade some of their power, but mostly according to medium- and long-term contracts.

What challenges will China's grid face?

Ken Liu, head of China renewables, utilities and energy research at UBS, said a critical challenge was the improvement of the dispatch system, or software that controls electricity flows to residential, commercial and industrial users. Liu expects as much as 15 per cent of China’s total grid capital spending to be allocated to this software.

What is China's first high-voltage direct-current transmission network?

China launched the world's first 1,100-kV ultrahigh-voltage direct-current transmission network in 2019, and has been investing in high-voltage electricity transmission lines for more than a decade.

What happened to electricity in Hunan?

Hunan authorities predicted an electricity shortage of 3 to 4 gigawatts, or about 10%, for the winter peak season. Apparently unable to increase supply, they reined in demand instead, turning down thermostats in government offices, switching off street lamps, and forcing companies to halt production under rolling outages.