China, the global leader in renewable energy installation, has embarked on a monumental project to fortify its grid infrastructure. The $3.9 billion initiative aims to facilitate the transmission of electricity across three provinces, leveraging advanced technology to store energy in mountain reservoirs.
The centerpiece of the project is a 1,069-kilometer ultra-high-voltage power line stretching from northern Shaanxi province to the outskirts of Hefei, a bustling city in eastern China. This infrastructure marvel will be complemented by a 1.2 gigawatt pumped hydro station, utilizing gravity and water to store energy efficiently.
Driven by an unprecedented surge in solar and wind power installations, China has set remarkable records in renewable energy capacity expansion. In 2023 alone, the country added a staggering 216.9 gigawatts of solar power capacity, surpassing the total capacity of the entire U.S. solar fleet. Additionally, wind power capacity soared to 75.9 gigawatts, marking significant progress towards China's renewable energy goals.
However, China's transition to renewable energy faces challenges, notably its continued reliance on coal-generated electricity. Despite substantial advancements in renewable energy infrastructure, coal remains a predominant source of power generation. As the country endeavors to balance its energy mix, initiatives like the $3.9 billion transmission and storage project play a pivotal role in bolstering grid resilience and accelerating the integration of renewables.
Source: bnnbloomberg.ca