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Assessing the low-carbon effects of inter-regional energy delivery in China's electricity sector

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  • Chen, Qixin
  • Kang, Chongqing
  • Ming, Hao
  • Wang, Zeyu
  • Xia, Qing
  • Xu, Guoxin

Abstract

In China, the electricity sector consumes approximately 50% of the coal and emits 40% of the CO2 from fossil fuel combustion. The unbalanced spatial distribution between energy resources and demands and the remarkable differences in power-generation capabilities among regions are important factors that impede decarbonization of China's electricity sector. Utilization of the abundant low-carbon energy resources in the central and western regions is restricted by limited local demand. Energy demand in these regions accounts for approximately 26% of the entire nation's demand. By comparison, the regions have more than 45% of the energy resources. However, long-distance energy delivery incurs considerable losses. At present, approximately 80% of inter-regional energy delivery uses primary coal transport and 20% travels by secondary electricity transmission. The Chinese government is planning to build an ambitious inter-regional transmission grid for energy delivery. We demonstrate that this plan would significantly change the current delivery patterns and improve delivery efficiency. Approximately 40% of inter-regional energy delivery would travel by secondary electricity transmission and a 25% improvement in the delivery efficiency of the entire system is expected. Therefore, utilization of low-carbon energy resources would be promoted and overall carbon emission would be reduced. Using a fine-grained electricity dispatch model to simulate and optimize the operation of the power system, the carbon emission mitigation potential is quantitatively assessed based on real planning data. The results indicate a significant 10% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2030, amounting to 0.49Gt. This reduction should be included as an important component for the sector's low-carbon budget. Finally, we assess the potential for further reductions in carbon emissions by making modifications to the planned transmission grid.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Qixin & Kang, Chongqing & Ming, Hao & Wang, Zeyu & Xia, Qing & Xu, Guoxin, 2014. "Assessing the low-carbon effects of inter-regional energy delivery in China's electricity sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 671-683.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:32:y:2014:i:c:p:671-683
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.12.050
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