Can China decarbonize the southern power grid by 2060?

Decarbonization of the Southern Power Grid in China is feasible by 2060 but requires converting a large cropland area to support solar and wind energy; expansion of hydropower will impact the transboundary rivers according to a power system optimization model set up for 2020–2060.

How efficient is China's battery energy storage system?

In an interview with China Central Television, Gao Like, a manager at the Guangxi branch of China Southern Power Grid, said that the energy conversion efficiency of its sodium-ion battery energy storage system exceeds 92%. It’s comparable to the efficiency of common lithium-ion battery storage systems, at 85-95%.

Does China's electric grid lack generation capacity?

“China’s electric grid doesn’t lack generation capacity. The grid lacks adequate flexibility and responsiveness,” said Xie. “In order to scale up renewable energy in time to make it to net zero [by] 2060, China needs to resolve these dire inefficiencies in its grid infrastructure and grid management.”

Is inflexibility a problem in China's electric grid?

“Inflexibility in China’s electric grid is a big problem now, and will be an even bigger problem later if it’s not addressed soon,” said Xie, adding that dependency on coal will make the nation’s energy transition more difficult.

Where is China's first sodium-ion battery energy storage station?

China’s first major sodium-ion battery energy storage station is now online, according to state-owned utility China Southern Power Grid Energy Storage. The Fulin Sodium-ion Battery Energy Storage Station entered operation on May 11 in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in southern China.

Which river basins feed the China Southern power grid (CSPG)?

b The map illustrates the river basins whose hydropower dams feed the China Southern Power Grid (CSPG). These basins are the Mekong, Nujiang, and Red (transboundary) and the Yangtze, Pearl, Qionglei and Southeast Guangxi Coastal river basins (QSGCRB). All riparian countries in which the transboundary basins ow are shown on the map.