Energy System In China Research Articles

Collaborative governance for sustainable development: wind resource assessment in Xinjiang and Guangdong Provinces, China

AbstractWind power is potentially a key energy option that can assist China in meeting its sustainability goals but at present plays only a limited role in the country's energy system. Wind resource assessment (WRA) has been identified as a key impediment to the further development of this energy source. This paper examines whether collaborative governance can help to improve WRA in China, and if so through what mechanisms.Collaborative initiatives involving WRA in two Chinese provinces, Xinjiang and Guangdong, are reviewed. This suggests that, while the central government has an important role to play, there are many opportunities for locally based collaborative initiatives to function as an alternative, complementary approach to facilitate WRA. Contextual elements such as local resources (including leadership and local knowledge) and governance structures (such as social networks) are identified as key conditions facilitating collaboration. The paper concludes that a broader perspective placing more emphasis beyond the central government in capacity building for WRA is required to enhance the prospects for the transition to a more sustainable energy system in China. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Large or small? Rethinking China’s forest bioenergy policies

China’s forest bioenergy policies are evolving against the backdrop of pressing national energy challenges similar to those faced by OECD countries, and chronic rural energy challenges more characteristic of developing countries. Modern forest bioenergy could contribute to solutions to both of these challenges. However, because of limitations in current technologies and institutions, significant policy and resource commitments would be required to make breakthroughs in either commercializing forest bioenergy or modernizing rural energy systems in China. Given the potential attention, funding, and resource trade-offs between these two goals, we provide an argument for why the focus of China’s forest bioenergy policy should initially be on addressing rural energy challenges. The paper concludes with a discussion on strategies for laying the groundwork for a modern, biomass-based energy infrastructure in rural China.

An engineering approach to the optimal design of distributed energy systems in China

China faces enormous challenges as it strives to meet its increasing energy demands. Distributed energy systems (DESs) provide a good opportunity to tackle these challenges by integrating various forms of distributed technologies, of which internal combustion engines, solar photovoltaic, and absorption chillers being the typical ones. However, fluctuation in energy demands and supplies, the large number of available distributed technologies and various possible combinations of these technologies make the design of DES a formidable task. The potential benefits of DES might be hampered by their impropriate design and operation.This paper provides a generic energy systems engineering framework toward the optimal design of DES in China, with the purpose of obtaining optimal combination of technologies and capacity of equipment for a given area with given energy demands. A hotel in Beijing is selected as an illustrative example to demonstrate the key steps and features of the proposed approach. Results show that the optimal configuration of such a DES is a rather complex system equipped with various technologies. It is more efficient and economic than conventional centralized energy systems as well as distributed combined cooling, heating and power systems.

An Inexact Mix-Integer Two-Stage Linear Programming Model for Supporting the Management of a Low-Carbon Energy System in China

In view of the great contribution of coal-fired units to CO2 emissions, the coupled coal and power system with consideration of CO2 mitigation is a typical sub-system of the highly emitting Chinese energy system for low-carbon studies. In this study, an inexact mix-integer two-stage programming (IMITSP) model for the management of low-carbon energy systems was developed based on the integration of multiple inexact programming techniques. Uncertainties and complexities related to the carbon mitigation issues in the coupled coal and power system can be effectively reflected and dealt with in this model. An optimal CO2 mitigation strategy associated with stochastic power-generation demand under specific CO2 mitigation targets could be obtained. Dynamic analysis of capacity expansion, facility improvement, coal selection, as well as coal blending within a multi-period and multi-option context could be facilitated. The developed IMITSP model was applied to a semi-hypothetical case of long-term coupled management of coal and power within a low-carbon energy system in north China. The generated decision alternatives could help decision makers identify desired strategies related to coal production and allocation, CO2 emission mitigation, as well as facility capacity upgrade and expansion under various social-economic, ecological, environmental and system-reliability constraints. It could also provide interval solutions with a minimized system cost, a maximized system reliability and a maximized power-generation demand security. Moreover, the developed model could provide an in-depth insight into various CO2 mitigation technologies and the associated environmental and economic implications under a given reduction target. Tradeoffs among system costs, energy security and CO2 emission reduction could be analyzed.

Lead emissions from solar photovoltaic energy systems in China and India

China and India are embarking on ambitious initiatives over the next decade to expand solar photovoltaic (PV) power in underserved regions. China proposes adding 1.6GW of solar capacity by 2020, while India plans 12GW in addition to 20 million solar lanterns by 2022. These technologies rely heavily on lead-acid batteries (LABs) for storage. China and India’s lead mining, battery production, and recycling industries are relatively inefficient—33% and 22% environmental loss rates, respectively. Based on the quantity of lead batteries employed in existing PV systems, we estimate environmental lead emissions in China and India for new units installed under their solar energy goals. The average loss rates are 12kg (China) and 8.5kg (India) of lead lost per kW-year of installed PV capacity in these countries. The planned systems added in China and India will be responsible for 386 and 2030kt of environmental lead loss, respectively, over their lifespan—equal to 1/3 of global lead production in 2009. Investments in environmental controls in lead smelting, battery manufacturing, and recycling industries along with improvements in battery take-back policies should complement deployment of solar PV systems to mitigate negative impacts of lead pollution.

Potential of renewable energy systems in China

Along with high-speed economic development and increasing energy consumption, the Chinese Government faces a growing pressure to maintain the balance between energy supply and demand. In 2009, China has become both the largest energy consumer and CO 2 emitting country in the world. In this case, the inappropriate energy consumption structure should be changed. As an alternative, a suitable infrastructure for the implementation of renewable energy may serve as a long-term sustainable solution. The perspective of a 100% renewable energy system has been analyzed and discussed in some countries previously. In this process, assessment of domestic renewable energy sources is the first step. Then appropriate methodologies are needed to perform energy system analyses involving the integration of more sustainable strategies. Denmark may serve as an example of how sustainable strategies can be implemented. The Danish system has demonstrated the possibility of converting into a 100% renewable energy system. This paper discusses the perspective of renewable energy in China firstly, and then analyses whether it is suitable to adopt similar methodologies applied in other countries as China approaches a renewable energy system. The conclusion is that China’s domestic renewable energy sources are abundant and show the possibility to cover future energy demand; the methodologies used to analyse a 100% renewable energy system are applicable in China. Therefore, proposing an analysis of a 100% renewable energy system in China is not unreasonable.

Technologies and policies for the transition to a sustainable energy system in china

Abstract The paper highlights the energy dilemma in China’s modernization process. It explores the technological and policy options for the transition to a sustainable energy system in China with Tsinghua University’s Low Carbon Energy Model (LCEM). China has already taken intensive efforts to promote research, development, demonstration and commercialization of sustainable energy technologies over the past five year. The policy actions cover binding energy conservation and environmental pollution control targets, economic incentives for sustainable energy, and public R&D supports. In order to achieve the sustainable energy system transformation eventually, however, China needs to take further actions such as strengthening R&D of radically innovative sustainable energy technologies and systems such as poly-generation, enhancing the domestic manufacturing capacity of sustainable energy technologies and systems, creating stronger economic incentives for research, development, demonstration and commercialization of sustainable energy technologies, and playing a leading role in international technology collaborations.

Urban Building Energy Planning With Space Distribution and Time Dynamic Simulation

It is important to deal with energy saving in buildings of one city level, and plan the energy system from one building to one city level. We strongly suggest conducting urban building energy planning (UBEP) in the urban planning field in China. There are two main characteristics of an urban building energy system. First, the terminal building energy demand is dynamically timely. Second, the energy demand, energy sources supply, energy equipments, and networks of heating, cooling, gas, and electricity, are distributed in an urban space. It is meaningful to conduct an innovative urban energy planning with space distribution and time dynamic simulation. Therefore, an UBEP simulation tool, developed by our research group, is introduced. Finally, a case of energy planning in Beijing City in 2010 for heating and air conditioning system is dynamically simulated and analyzed. To meet the same building energy demand in Beijing, such as heating, air conditioning, gas, and electricity, different energy equipments, such as boiler, combined heating and power, combined cooling, heating, and power system, and heat pump based on different energy sources, such as coal, gas, and electricity, should be planned alternatively. Also, an optimum urban energy system with high energy efficiency and low environmental emission can be achieved. This simulation tool contains most models of heating and cooling energy systems in China. We can validate the models with statistical data from previous or present simulation, and the simulation results in future planning can serve as guidance for the construction of municipal energy infrastructure. We can conclude that simulation in time dimension shows the characteristics of dynamic load in each nodes of the energy flow. The objective is to present the comparison of different scenarios and optimize the planning schemes.

Lead-acid battery use in the development of renewable energy systems in China

Policies and laws encouraging the development of renewable energy systems in China have led to rapid progress in the past 2 years, particularly in the solar cell (photovoltaic) industry. The development of the photovoltaic (PV) and wind power markets in China is outlined in this paper, with emphasis on the utilization of lead-acid batteries. The storage battery is a key component of PV/wind power systems, yet many deficiencies remain to be resolved. Some experimental results are presented, along with examples of potential applications of valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries, both the absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gelled types.

Integrated Analysis and Evaluation Support System on Global Energy Systems for Sustainable Development-Its System Development with a Case Study for Chinese Energy Policy-

An Integrated Analysis and Evaluation Support System for Sustainable Development (IAESSD) has been developed for analyzing and assessing energy systems from the aspect of sustainable development of regional, national even the global levels. The developed IAESSD consists of three major components: Multilevel Flow Model (MFM), Geographic Information System (GIS) and Driver Force, State and Response (DSR) model. The three components are linked together through the Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development (EISD). By using the IAESSD, appropriate options of energy policies can be evaluated by the three steps; (i) calculation of EISD parameters based on the MFM and GIS, (ii) causal analysis for the time changes of the EISD parameters based on the DSR model, and (iii) recommendation and investigation new policy options in qualitative analysis way based on the causal analysis results. The tools and technologies of computer science and software engineering were applied to materialize the three modeling components to develop a workable software platform. As a case study, the whole energy system of China was simulated and evaluated by the developed IAESSD to reduce viable policy in her future from the aspect of sustainable development.

China must be encouraged to develop hydrogen energy and fuel cell technology using domestic resources

This paper describes the current situation in China and the reasons for the rapidly increasing consumption of oil and the consequent search for new sources. Some suggestions are made for the rapid development and commercialisation of hydrogen energy systems in China using domestic resources. China could satisfy the energy demand with her domestic resources of renewable energies and depending on her own domestic scientific, technological and personal resources, etc. This could help remove the misgivings of other countries and reduce worries about oil prices.

China's future in electric energy

In this article, recent development and future challenges in generation, transmission, and the market aspect of electric energy systems in China are described. For each of the subjects, the major challenges being faced and the measures and policies being taken are listed. China has to take a leadership role in future technology R&D in all aspects, including clean energy development and efficient energy utilization with state-of-the-art power electronics and information technologies. Hopefully, China will be able to lead, not just in the deployment and utilization of electric energy systems but also in the development of new technologies in the coming decade to benefit the nation and the world.

Polygeneration energy system based on coal gasification

Environmental pollution has become a bottleneck for the sustainable economic development of China. A “business-as-usual” energy system in China is not suitable for meeting sustainability needs. It is well known that China has to use coal as the main primary energy source over the long term. Under such special conditions, to plan and construct an integrated sustainable energy system with optimal benefits in resource and energy utilization and environmental emissions is urgent. By introducing international studies and new developments in sustainable energy systems, this paper puts forward the concept that a polygeneration strategy based on coal gasification is the trend for future development of China's domestic energy industry. The framework of a polygeneration system based on oxygen-blown gasification is described and its benefits are analyzed. Finally, the starting procedure, government role, and policies for implementing polygeneration strategies in China are proposed.

The status of HTGR Research and Development in China

Abstract This paper briefly describes the present energy situation and discusses the main role of HTGR in the future energy system in China. It also summarizes the present status and progress of the HTGR R&D program which is being carried out in the INET and relevant institutions. The technical features of the 10 MW HTR Test Module which will be a joint project with Siemens-Interatom and KFA, Julich (FRG) are also briefly introduced.

The important roles of nuclear energy in the future energy system of China

The goal of Four Modernizations in China requires doubling present energy production by the year 2000. Because of uneven geographic distribution of coal and hydropower resources, difficulties in exploitation and transportation, and environmental issues, conventional energy alone could not meet the tremendous energy demand in the most densely populated and highly industrialized coastal provinces. Therefore nuclear energy will play an increasingly important role in such regions and is now considered indispensable for the development of China's economy. Nuclear energy will supply not only base-load electricity but district heating and process heat in these provinces. Another promising potential application of nuclear heat will be in the petroleum industry. Nuclear energy will find broad applications in various sectors of China's economy as the country achieves the Four Modernizations.

New perspectives on natural resource development in developing countries

The link between natural resources and economic development is more and more regarded as a fact today even though the whole process of development is only partially understood. The awareness has now spread to the developing countries of the world where resources have yet to be developed to bring about an improvement in standards of living especially for rural populations, as well as a general improvement in the quality of life for the people. Unfortunately many of the resources of these countries are still to be surveyed and development planning is often based on flimsy, inadequate or even unreliable natural resource data. The improvement of data base for resource planning would go a long way to ensure more knowledge about natural resources in developing countries and better use and management of the available resources. There are economic, technological and environmental difficulties to be overcome before more efficient natural resource utilization in these countries could be achieved. The role of population growth in resource realization is still clouded with an inconclusive debate. But even more important is the need for technological assistance and the application of modern technology to food and agriculture and to other resources to ensure a better life for the populations of developing countries. Developments in agriculture will need the greatest attention since it is a primary resource which provides employment for large proportions of the population, food for the rural and urban populations and exportable surpluses required for the purchase of industrial goods for use in the other sectors of the economy. The activities of transnational corporations distort developments in agriculture and mining in many developing countries and many of these countries are today making greater moves to realize full sovereignty over their natural resources as a first step towards more efficient and meaningful planning for economic growth and development. Energy resources, and in particular the development of new and renewable sources of energy, present one of the greatest challenges to developing countries. Examples of the development of rural energy systems in China and India are promising to open the way to alternative forms of energy for the rural masses of other similarly placed developing countries. Finally, new developments in the natural resources debate concerned with the sharing of the resources of the oceans as seen in the Law of the Sea Conference are a pointer to a more equitable approach to the use of global resources for the continued development of the developed as well as the developing countries of the world.