China’s hydropower energy system toward carbon neutrality

Abstract

Wind and solar powers will gradually become dominant energies toward carbon neutrality. Large-scale renewable energies, with strong stochasticity, high volatility, and unadjustable features, have great impacts on the safe operation of power system. Thus, an advanced hydropower energy system serving multiple energies is required to respond to volatility, with expanding role from a “stable energy supplier” to a “flexible efficiency regulator”. Future research and application can be considered from three aspects: 1) system expansion (e.g., the construction of large-scale hydropower/renewable energy bases in China, the construction of transnational hydropower energy internet, and the functional transformation of traditional hydropower reservoirs and generating units); 2) efficiency promotion (e.g., advanced intelligent forecasting, multi-objective operation, and risk management methods); and 3) supporting measures (e.g., market reform, benefit compensation and policy mechanism, technical standards, and laws and regulations).

Graphical abstract

Keywords

hydropower system / carbon neutrality / artificial intelligence

References

[1] Cheng, C (2021). Function remolding of hydropower systems for carbon neutral and its key problems. Automation of Electric Power Systems, 45( 16): 29–36

[2] Feng, Z K Shi, P F Yang, T Niu, W J Zhou, J Z Cheng, C T (2022). Parallel cooperation search algorithm and artificial intelligence method for streamflow time series forecasting. Journal of Hydrology, 606: 127434

[3] Griffiths, S Sovacool, B K (2020). Rethinking the future low-carbon city: Carbon neutrality, green design, and sustainability tensions in the making of Masdar City. Energy Research & Social Science, 62: 101368

[4] Hu, X Sun, L Zhou, Y Ruan, J (2020). Review of operational management in intelligent agriculture based on the Internet of Things. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 7( 3): 309–322

[5] Kaluarachchi, Y (2021). Potential advantages in combining smart and green infrastructure over silo approaches for future cities. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 8( 1): 98–108

[6] Kung, C Mu, J E (2019). Prospect of China’s renewable energy development from pyrolysis and biochar applications under climate change. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 114: 109343

[7] Li, D He, J Li, L (2016). A review of renewable energy applications in buildings in the hot-summer and warm-winter region of China. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 57: 327–336

[8] Liu, X Zhao, T Chang, C Fu, C J (2021). China’s renewable energy strategy and industrial adjustment policy. Renewable Energy, 170: 1382–1395

[9] Millot, A Krook-Riekkola, A Maïzi, N (2020). Guiding the future energy transition to net-zero emissions: Lessons from exploring the differences between France and Sweden. Energy Policy, 139: 111358

[10] Musa, S D Tang, Z H Ibrahim, A O Habib, M (2018). China’s energy status: A critical look at fossils and renewable options. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81: 2281–2290

[11] Ren, M Lu, P Liu, X Hossain, M S Fang, Y Hanaoka, T O’Gallachoir, B Glynn, J Dai, H (2021). Decarbonizing China’s iron and steel industry from the supply and demand sides for carbon neutrality. Applied Energy, 298: 117209

[12] Sattich, T Freeman, D Scholten, D Yan, S (2021). Renewable energy in EU–China relations: Policy interdependence and its geopolitical implications. Energy Policy, 156: 112456

[13] Shuai, J Leng, Z H Cheng, J H Shi, Z Y (2020). China’s renewable energy trade potential in the “Belt-and-Road” countries: A gravity model analysis. Renewable Energy, 161: 1025–1035

[14] Song, S Li, T Liu, P Li, Z (2022). The transition pathway of energy supply systems towards carbon neutrality based on a multi-regional energy infrastructure planning approach: A case study of China. Energy, 238: 122037

[15] Wang, B Wang, Q Wei, Y Li, Z (2018). Role of renewable energy in China’s energy security and climate change mitigation: An index decomposition analysis. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90: 187–194

[16] Zhang, P Ariaratnam, S T (2021). Life cycle cost savings analysis on traditional drainage systems from low impact development strategies. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 8( 1): 88–97

[17] Zhao, X Ma, X Chen, B Shang, Y Song, M (2022). Challenges toward carbon neutrality in China: Strategies and countermeasures. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 176: 105959

[18] Zhou, D Hu, F Zhu, Q Wang, Q (2022). Regional allocation of renewable energy quota in China under the policy of renewable portfolio standards. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 176: 105904

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2022 Higher Education Press