New energy storage is a critical part of building new power systems. At present, the installed capacity of new energy storage has multiplied in China in consecutive years. Varying sorts of new technologies have been applied, revealing a trend of diversified development. However, the application of new energy storage technologies varies to a significant extent under different circumstances. In this regard, the authorities in different regions have put forward their respective goals for the development of new energy storage in the plans of development and implementation, special policies as well as relevant guidelines. In this way, they aim to promote the transition of new energy system equipped with energy storage facilities into shared energy storage capacity. Furthermore, the authorities roll out supportive measures such as providing capacity compensation and proportional allocation of new energy quotas, so as to expand the channels of income from new energy storage.

The development of new energy storage capacity features a short period of construction, flexible layout, and quick response. Moreover, the efficiency of new energy storage is close to or even higher than pumped storage. From an economic perspective, the cost of lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage is declining rapidly towards the cost of pumped storage. Given that new energy storage and pumped storage are fully complementary to each other, they can jointly provide support for the development of new power systems.

Judging from the status-quo of the development of electric power in Qinghai Province, the rigid demands for electric power have risen at a rapid pace, and the structure of installed power supply has been constantly optimized with enhanced structure of power grids. However, due to insufficient supply of support power, heavy pressure of electric power supply and limited capacity of power system regulation, the consumption of new energy is faced with hidden dangers. Hence, it is urgent to promptly improve the capacity of power system regulation, and it is necessary to alleviate the pressure of abandoned new energy based on the regulation capability in the province. In addition, it is necessary to deploy a number of new energy storage facilities based on local conditions, and absorb new energy by charging during peak curtailment hours and discharging at other time slots to support load of power at night.

During the new stage of development, it is advocated to uphold the new development concept and build a new development paradigm so as to promote high-quality development. In this regard, it is necessary to enhance the unified planning of new energy storage in Qinghai Province. It is necessary to strengthen the top-level design and take the demands of power system as the guide for development. Moreover, based on local conditions, overall plans shall be devised to optimize the allocation of new energy storage and other supportive resources of power system regulation. It is advocated to explore diversified routes of energy storage technologies as needed, optimize relevant scenarios of application and the scale, layout and timing of development, and adopt varying measures to jointly support the building of new power systems by optimizing and integrating local power, grid, and load-side resources. The new energy storage plans shall be adopted as special supporting plans for power planning. In addition, it is advocated to set up mechanisms of normalized appraisal as well as tracking and monitoring of major projects at the same time, and to adjust the plans on a rolling basis.

It is necessary to step up efforts in optimizing the energy storage systems for new power systems. It is advocated to optimize the electrical topology, thermal management system, fire protection system and special environmental adaptability of new energy storage. Moreover, measures shall be taken to improve the grid-friendliness, safety, reliability, and integration of energy storage systems, and constantly lower the costs of power system construction. It is recommended to optimize the layout, digital twin platform and 3D design of new energy storage power stations, and improve the intensive, intelligent and digital development of energy storage facilities during construction, operation and maintenance throughout all stages, so as to reduce occupation of land and lower the costs of operation and maintenance as well as the level of difficulty. It is advocated to promote the integrated use of big data, intelligent control, battery monitoring and early warning as well as other technologies while optimizing the operation and control strategies of new energy storage, so as to improve the efficiency of power stations, extend the life of battery cells, and generate higher income for power stations.

It is necessary to optimize the mechanisms of dispatching and operation for new energy storage. Measures shall be taken to further improve the mechanism of dispatching management, clarify technical requirements, and enhance guarantees at the policy aspect. It is advocated to clarify the scope of new energy storage adaptable to the dispatching of power systems, define the rights and responsibilities of power dispatching institutions and those of the power stations equipped with new energy storage capacity, and reasonably prioritize the use of new energy storage based on the needs of power systems. It is necessary to enhance the formulation and revision of the standards of dispatching and operation for new energy storage power stations, and clarify the technical requirements of those new energy storage power stations adaptable to the dispatching of power grids. In addition, it is recommended to promote the transformation of existing new energy power stations equipped with new energy storage capacity into independently operated power stations.

It is necessary to explore the establishment of a capacity price mechanism for electric power generated by new energy storage facilities. During the design of the capacity electricity price mechanism, policymakers shall fully take into account the reasonable demands of capacity, formulate price ceilings, and clarify the methods of adjusting electricity price. It is recommended to explore the use of market-oriented methods such as bidding for the allocation of power capacity and the formation of capacity price. It is recommended to proactively conduct pilot programs of new energy storage. Through the pilot programs of enhancing new technologies and new models, the authority is advocated to place its focus on promoting innovation in the technical routes of new energy storage, business models, application scenarios and safety enhancement technologies. In addition, it is necessary to enhance the tracking and appraisal of pilot projects, summarize and promote best practices in a timely manner, and facilitate the high-quality development of the new energy storage industry.