On June 2, 2023, the press conference of the Blue Book on the Development of New Electric Power Systems (hereinafter referred to as the Blue Book) was held in Beijing. It was hosted by the National Energy Administration, and organized by the China Electric Power Planning & Engineering Institute (EPPEI) and China Energy Media Group Co., Ltd. The Blue Book elaborates on the development philosophy and characteristics of new electric power systems, formulates a three-step strategy, and proposes the framework and key tasks for building such systems. Yu Bing, Deputy Head of the National Energy Administration (NEA), attended the conference and delivered a speech, while Huang Xuenong, General Supervisor of the NEA unveiled the Blue Book. Ma Mingwei, Chairman of the Trade Union of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC), was also present.
On March 15, 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping gave important instructions regarding the development of new electric power systems during the 9th meeting of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs. As he pointed out, the Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized the need to step up the building of a new energy system, which has charted the course for the high-quality development of energy and electric power in the new era. To support the industry in building new electric power systems, the NEA worked with 11 research institutions on the transformation of the power system in the context of dual carbon goals (also known as the dual carbon goals), and jointly compiled the Blue Book.
During the event, Yu Bing highlighted that energy and electric power were key to achieving the dual carbon goals. Building new electric power systems is a crucial to a new energy system, and is a complex and challenging task. This involves multiple aspects, takes a long period of time, and exhibits distinct features at different stages. Therefore, this requires comprehensive planning, science-based deployment, and gradual progress. The release of the Blue Book deepens the understanding of new electric power systems both within and outside the industry, and also marks a milestone in the building of new electric power systems.
Huang Xuenong pointed out that the Blue Book was jointly compiled by 11 research institutions led by the National Energy Administration. Its aim is to provide strategic guidance for the transformation and development of the electric power industry, support the energy reform, build a new energy system, and boost the growth of green energy.
The Blue Book makes it clear that new electric power systems aim to ensure energy and power security while meeting the electricity demand for high-quality economic and social development. The primary goal is to build a high-proportion new energy supply and accommodation system. Supported by the integration of power source, grid, load, and storage, as well as a robust, intelligent, and flexible power grid, the electric power system for the new era relies on technological and institutional innovation, and is a major component of the new energy system and the dual carbon goals. New electric power systems have four defining features: safety and efficiency, cleanliness and low carbon, flexibility and agility, and smart integration. The first one is the prerequisite, the second one is the core goal, the third one provides fundamental support, while the final one serves as the guarantee. Together, they make up for a “four-in-one” framework.
The Blue Book proposes to follow through the two-step strategic plan to build China into a great modern socialist country, and implement the “3060” goals, which means that the year 2030, 2045 and 2060 will be milestones for building new electric power systems. A three-step strategy is thus put forward, namely, the accelerated transition period (from now to 2030), the formation period (2030-2045), and the consolidation period (2045-2060), so as to establish new electric power systems step by step.
In terms of the framework and key tasks, the Blue Book proposes the construction of four systems, namely, the support system for power supply, the system for developing and utilizing new energy, the system for large-scale energy storage application, and the intelligent operation system for the grid. The Blue Book also highlights the importance of adapting to the new electric power system’s standard specifications, core technologies and major equipment, as well as policy and institutional innovation.
During the press conference, Du Zhongming, President of EPPEI, provided an in-depth analysis of the Blue Book.