Current Situation and Achievements of Flexible Transformation of Thermal Power Units in China

Abstract

Large-scale renewable energy integration urgently requires flexible sources in China. For a long time, thermal power has always occupied a dominant position in the China's power supply structure. The peak regulation depth of large-capacity thermal power units is usually less than 50%, and the peak regulation depth of thermal power units in the north area is only about 20%. Exploring the technical path and economic operation of improving the flexibility of thermal power units, as well as achieving the optimization of technological transformation and sustainable development of capacity thermal power units, is of great practical significance for the accommodation and promoting the development of renewable energy in China. This paper describes current status of the transformation of thermal power plants in China, analyzes the objectives and costs of flexible transformation of thermal power plants, as well as the effectiveness of such kind of transformation for the accommodation of renewable energy.