In the heart of Beijing, researchers at the National Key Laboratory of Grid Security are grappling with a monumental task: ensuring China’s power grid remains stable and secure as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources. Their work, published in the journal *China Electric Power*, is crucial for the “15th Five-Year Plan,” a critical period for China to hit its carbon peaking goals.
At the forefront of this research is Qinyong Zhou, a leading expert at the China Electric Power Research Institute. Zhou and his team are tackling unprecedented challenges as new energy power generation, like wind and solar, surpasses expectations. “We’re seeing a normalization of high-proportion new energy output,” Zhou explains. “This changes the game for power grid planning.”
The shift towards renewable energy brings unique technical characteristics that the team is working to understand and address. One key challenge is the dynamic process coupling of transmission and distribution networks. As Zhou puts it, “The system is becoming more interconnected, and this interdependence can lead to complex interactions that we need to manage carefully.”
Another issue is the weakening effect of system scale growth on stability improvement. As the grid expands, the benefits of scale are not as straightforward as they once were. This requires a nuanced approach to grid planning and stability analysis.
To tackle these challenges, Zhou and his team have identified several key research directions. These include screening typical scenarios for stability analysis, developing load models that incorporate distributed generations, assessing the load capacity of power electronics-dominated generation systems, and managing comprehensive short-circuit currents.
In terms of technological innovation, the team suggests scenario-specific studies, such as the application of grid-forming technologies and the optimal selection of transmission technology solutions. “We need to be proactive in developing and testing new technologies that can support the evolving grid,” Zhou states.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As China and other countries worldwide push towards renewable energy, understanding and managing the stability and security of the power grid becomes paramount. The work of Zhou and his team could shape future developments in grid planning, ensuring a smoother transition to cleaner energy sources.
In the words of Zhou, “Our goal is to provide a stable and secure foundation for the energy transition. This is not just about technology; it’s about building a sustainable future.” With their research published in *China Electric Power*, they are well on their way to achieving this goal.