System optimization of long-distance energy transportation in China using ultra-high-voltage power transmission

Abstract

Energy transportation is an important issue for China's electricity system due to the unbalanced distribution of energy sources and electrical demands. The traditional method of energy transportation (e.g., coal transportation) is challenging due to both the long distance of transportation and the large amount of energy that it requires. In recent years, China has been developing ultra-high voltage (UHV) as an alternative way of transmitting energy over a long distance, and many UHV lines are being planned for construction during the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period. This paper develops a system optimization model for exploring the optimal pathway for long-distance energy transportation in China during the 13th FYP period from the perspective of the minimum cost of an energy transportation system. The results show that (a) although UHV transmission will be increasingly adopted in the 13th FYP period, coal transportation will still play an important role; (b) eight UHV lines are suggested to be built and put into use as a priority in the 13th FYP period; (c) the high technology learning effect, electricity demand, and investment costs of power plants would promote the adoption of UHV. Based on these results, some policy suggestions are provided.