In 2012, wind power in China faced significant challenges as the average utilization hours for wind turbines dropped to 1,890, a decline of 30 hours compared to the previous year. In certain provinces, the utilization rate fell to around 1,400 hours, leading to wasted clean energy and substantial investment losses. This inefficiency has also intensified environmental concerns and raised questions about the sustainability of wind power expansion.
The National Energy Administration recently issued a notice emphasizing the need to address wind power curtailment. It highlighted that in 2012, wind power curtailment across the country reached approximately 20 billion kWh. According to Qin Haiyan, secretary-general of the Wind Energy Committee at the Chinese Renewable Energy Society, this issue has severely impacted the economic efficiency of wind farms. The direct economic loss from wind curtailment exceeded 10 billion yuan, equivalent to 6.78 million tons of standard coal if the lost energy were generated by coal.
Regionally, the northeastern part of China has been hit hardest, with Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and eastern Inner Mongolia experiencing nearly 10 billion kWh of curtailment—accounting for nearly half of the national total. Industry experts point out that large-scale wind power curtailment is a global challenge, but China's situation stands out due to its unique geographical and structural issues.
China’s wind resources are concentrated in remote areas such as the "Three North" regions (northwest, north, and northeast), far from major consumption centers. These areas have limited local demand and lack sufficient grid infrastructure to absorb the generated power. Additionally, wind power is inherently variable and intermittent, requiring backup power sources for grid stability. However, these regions often have a single power supply structure with little or no peak-shaving capacity. The absence of strong cross-regional transmission systems further complicates the issue.
In response, the National Energy Administration emphasized that wind power utilization is a key factor in determining future wind power development plans. Areas with high utilization rates can proceed with construction more rapidly, while regions with low utilization must first resolve curtailment problems before expanding further. This approach aims to ensure that wind power growth aligns with grid capabilities and market demand.
According to the 12th Five-Year Plan, China aimed to reach 100 million kilowatts of grid-connected wind power by 2015 and 200 million kilowatts by 2020. While the planned capacity seems achievable, the real challenge lies in ensuring that projects are implemented effectively and connected to the grid without delays.
On February 27, 2023, the State Grid Corporation of China released guidelines to improve distributed power integration, including wind power. The plan includes streamlining grid connection procedures, enhancing infrastructure, and offering favorable conditions for renewable energy sources. These measures are expected to significantly reduce the barriers to wind power integration.
As an emerging industry, wind power requires continued innovation and technological advancement. However, such progress depends on a stable market size and supportive policies. To maintain steady growth and long-term viability, it is essential to combine policy support with strategic planning and investment in grid infrastructure.
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