Power Sector Transition in Shanxi
Introduction
Symbolic Importance
Shanxi Province is endowed with some of the most abundant energy resources in China, which include coal, coalbed methane, and natural gas. In 2021, the coal production in Shanxi reached 1.193 billion tons,[1] In 2022, the coal production in Shanxi increased to 1.307 billion tons, and is expected to reach 1.365 billion tons in 2023.[2] The reserve capacity of unconventional natural gas accounted for 37% of the national total in 2022, which ranked as the second highest in China.[3] Presently, Shanxi remains a crucial province for the export of fossil fuel resources. The region is home to numerous coal mines, leading to a substantial industrial and economic reliance on the fossil fuel extraction sector.
Moreover, Shanxi is also an electricity-exporting province, and the amount of exported generation has continued to increase in recent years. The exported generation to other provinces grew by 18% in 2022 compared to the previous year, supplying 14 provinces in China.[3]
However, the extraction of fossil fuel resources in Shanxi Province has had adverse effects on the environment and public health. Coal mining operations have led to the pollution of groundwater and surface water, rendering them undrinkable due to various harmful substances. The soil has accumulated heavy metals that pose risks to both communities and the ecosystem. Moreover, the presence of elevated levels of smoke, dust, and sulfur dioxide in the air within coal mining areas continues to be a significant concern. These impacts are long-term and are currently recovering at a slow pace, raising concerns for public health and the well-being of the region.[4]
The energy transition is a critical opportunity to reverse the polluted province. Shanxi boasts significant solar and wind energy resources, with some areas already hosting operational solar and wind farms. In the last five years, the annual growth of wind and solar energy is 24.16% and 63.22%, respectively. The solar installed capacity ranked as the top in China.[5] Furthermore, Shanxi has also planned to reutilize various space to increase the renewable energy capacity. The province will solarize its highway to add 300 MW with a total investment of around 1.4 billion yuan.[6] The province's unique position as a region with a substantial number of existing coal mines, coal-fired power plants, and well-developed transmission capacities presents a promising opportunity for the extensive development of wind and solar energy integrated into the existing grid infrastructure. This transition offers the potential to diversify the province's energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
Current System Description
Current Power Capacity Mix
By July 2023, the installed capacity in Shanxi province from GEM's database is as below:
| Energy Source | Installed Capacity(MW) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 74,222 MW[7] | 61.50% |
| Gas | 2,796 MW[8] | 2.32% |
| Hydro | 1,200 MW[9] | 0.99% |
| Solar | 21,649 MW[10] | 17.94% |
| Onshore Wind | 20,249.4 MW[11] | 16.78% |
| Total | 120,692.4 MW |
By the end of 2022, the installed capacity in the operating system was 120.8GW, with 71,067MW from coal-fired power plants that took up 58.8% of the total.[12] According to provincial government data, the solar installed capacity reached 17.73GW by February 2023, accounting for 14.6% of the total installed capacity and increasing by 20.12% compared to the previous year.[13] By 2023, the newly added solar installed capacity centralized in Datong district.[14]
From January to May 2023, electricity generation from solar energy totaled 10.177TWh, marking an increase of 11.48% compared to the previous year. Wind energy contributed 23.371TWh during the same period, reflecting an increase of 26.53% compared to the previous year.[15]
The pie chart below illustrates the electricity generation in Shanxi for the first half(from January to June) of 2023. Fossil fuel energy, comprising coal and gas, dominated as the primary source of electricity, accounting for 83% of the province's total, totaling 174,260 GWh. Onshore wind contributed 12% to the mix, while solar and hydropower made up 4% and 1%, respectively.[16]
Prospective Power Capacity
By July 2023, the prospective installed capacity in Shanxi province from GEM's database is as below:
| Energy Source | Announced | Pre-construction | Construction | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | 4,000 MW | 20,120 MW | 1,400 MW | 25,520 MW[7] |
| Hydro | 2,700 MW | 18,600 MW | 1,500 MW | 22,800 MW[9] |
| Solar | 2,365 MW | 14,485.4 MW | 7,315 MW | 24,165.4 MW[10] |
| Onshore Wind | 520 MW | 4,041 MW | 1,729 MW | 6,290 MW[11] |
Renewable Energy in Shanxi
Renewable Energy Targets, and Major projects
According to the Shanxi Province 14th Five-Year Plan, at the end of the 14th five-year round, which is 2025, the "clean energy" in the generation mix will reach 30%. [17]
Table 1: Main goals for the development and utilization of renewable energy in 2025, Shanxi Province[17]
Source: Shanxi Province 14th Five Year Plan
| Energy Type | 2020 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Electricity generation responsibility weight | ||
| 1.1 Renewable Energy | 18.8% | 28.7% |
| 1.2 Renewable Energy exclude hydropower | 16.8% | 24.9% |
| 2. Installed Capacity - predicted accordingly | ||
| 2.1 Wind | 19,740 MW | 30,000 MW |
| 2.2 Solar | 13,090 MW | 50,000 MW |
| 2.3 Biomass | 640 MW | 1,000 MW |
| 2.4 Hydropower | 2,240 MW | 2,240 MW |
| 2.5 Percentage of the provincial total capacity | 30% | 50% |
| 3. Storage | 1,100 MW | 6,000 MW |
In January 2023, the Shanxi government published its Action Plan of Technology Support for Carbon Dioxide Peaking 2020-2030(山西省科技支撐碳達峰碳中和實施方案（2022—2030年）).[18]. The goal of reaching 80GW of solar and wind capacity is reiterated, with a target of 50% rooftop solar installations on new buildings. Additionally, the plan outlines a goal of achieving 120 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. To meet the penetration of the increased renewable energy, the province will deploy 100GW of storage capacity.
In February 2023, Shanxi Province published the Shanxi Province Promotes the Development of Distributed Renewable Energy Three-year Action Plan (2023-2025)(山西省推进分布式可再生能源发展三年行动计划(2023—2025年)). The plan outlines solar targets for different sectors by 2025, including 500MW from agricultural facilities, 1,500MW of distributed solar from transportation-related facilities, 1,000MW of rooftop solar from public buildings, and 1,000MW of distributed solar demonstration projects on various rooftops. For the wind energy target, the plan aims to achieve 1,000MW from vacant and idled lands by 2025.[19]
Shanxi encourages New Energy Sources to establish storage capacity for participation in the electricity trading market. By 2023, New Energy Source Projects in Datong, Shuozhou, Xinzhou, and Yangquan cities are required to deploy 10%-15% of storage capacity concurrently with the installed capacity.[20]
In 2020, the first distributive solar on the highway service area in Shanxi, with an installed capacity of around 0.4MW, was connected to the grid, generating 0.65GWh annually. [21] By the end of 2020, the total generation from distributive solar on highway facilities reached 13GWh for the year.[22]
Additionally, most cities in Shanxi province formulated their renewable energy targets at the city level:
Datong City
In 2021, New Energy Sources in Datong City reached 6,280 MW, constituting 42% of the provincial total. This equals 830 GWh of electricity generation, representing 17.3% of the provincial total. Solar energy had the highest installed capacity among these sources in Shanxi. The 14th Five-Year Plan published by Datong City outlines its energy target for 2025 in more detail:[23]
| Energy Sources | 2021 | 2025(target) |
|---|---|---|
| Coal production | Reduce coal production by 31.4 million tons | Coal production capacity: 130 million tons,
Coal production amount: 120 million tons |
| Fossil Fuel installed capacity | 10,000MW | |
| New Energy Sources installed capacity | 6,280MW | Solar: 10,000MW
Wind: 6,000MW |
Datong previous coal mine surface subsidence areas
Datong previous coal mine surface subsidence areas - National advanced technology photovoltaic demonstration base(山西大同采煤沉陷区国家先进技术光伏示范基地) with 200.72km2 scale of land and 1,000MW operating capacity in total.
Luliang City
The operating installed capacity from Luliang City accounted for 10.3% of the provincial total in 2021. Following the publication of the Shanxi Province 14th Five-Year Plan on energy targets, Luliang City also projected its renewable energy needs until 2025 to align with the provincial goals:[24]
| Energy Type | Installed capacity in 2020 | Target of Installed Capacity in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | 6,739MW(68.06%) | 10,220MW(39.19%) |
| Solar | 2505MW(25.3%) | 7,691MW(29.5%) |
| Wind | 6,521MW(25.05%) |
- Major renewable energy project in the city: Shanxi Province Jiaokou Shuitouzhen solar farm (山西省吕梁市交口县300MW光伏平价项目) with 300MW in operation.
Taiyuan City
The City published the "Taiyuan City’s “14th Five-Year Plan” Energy Development Plan (2021-2025)" to formulate the energy targets in 2025:[25]
| Energy Source | 2020 | Targets in 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | 5,210MW | 5.830MW | |
| Gas | 2,010MW | 1,720MW | |
| New Energy Sources | Wind | 340MW | 1,200MW |
| Solar | 520MW | 1,600MW | |
| Hydro | 28.8MW | 30MW | |
| Biomass | 149MW | 200MW | |
In 2020, there were 53 coal mines, collectively producing 73.85 million tons of coal annually. The goal for 2025 is to reduce the number of coal mines to 50 while maintaining a production of 72 million tons per year. Of these 50 mines, 41 will be actively producing coal, contributing to a total production of 63 million tons per year.[25]
To support the coal mines, the plan includes the implementation of a 110 kV transmission network in the coal mining area. Additionally, there will be an expansion of transmission capacity with the addition of one 35 kV substation and six 10 kV substations, with a combined loading capacity of 4.43 megavolt-amperes (MVA).[25]
Yuncheng City
In 2020, the installed capacity from renewable energy in the city reached 41.2%. The city published its 14th five Year Plan in the same year and mentioned the renewable energy target by 2025:[26]
| 2020 | 2025(target) | |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | 1,400MW | 2,000MW |
| Wind | 2,000MW(19.2% of the city's total generation) |
Yangquan City
Yangquan is the poorest and the smallest city in Shanxi,[27] and it is one of the earliest cities in the province to engage in the coal mining industry. The city's economy has long been dominated by coal. From 1949 to 2019, the city exported 2.1 billion tons of coal to other provinces.[28] Due to its extensive history of coal extraction, Yangquan is currently facing coal exhaustion, leading to a large area affected by coal mining subsidence. Meanwhile, the city exhibits significant potential for solar energy. The government has, therefore, implemented a solar deployment policy in the coal subsidence area.[29] In 2023, the installed capacity of unconventional energy in the city reached 2,219 MW, constituting over 30% of the total installed capacity. Wind and solar are the primary sources of these unconventional energy types.[30]
Yangquan City's Renewable Energy Target in the 14th Five-Year Plan5:[31]
| Energy Source | 2025(target) |
|---|---|
| Wind | 1,400MW |
| Solar | 6,000MW |
Yangquan City previous coal mines surface subsidence areas
Yangquan City previous coal mines surface subsidence areas - National advanced technology photovoltaic demonstration base, 2016 projects(山西阳泉市采煤沉陷区 - 国家先进技术光伏发展示范基地, 2016年项目), with 4569.91km2 scale of land and operating capacity of 950MW in total.(Global Energy Monitor: 800MW)
| Coal Mine Area | Solar Project | Installed Capacity(MW) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangquan City previous coal mines surface subsidence areas
- National advanced technology photovoltaic demonstration base 2016 projects (山西阳泉市采煤沉陷区国家先进技术光伏发展示范基地2016年项目) |
Shanxi Province Yangquan Hedizhen Xiaogou solar farm | 100 | Operating |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Hedizhen Xiaoxizhuang solar farm | 100 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Pingding Longzhuang solar farm | 50 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Pingding Shimenkou solar farm | 100 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Yijingzhen solar farm | 50 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Yuxian Jiajianao - Zhaojianao solar farm | 100 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Pingding Shimenkou Three Gorges solar farm | 100 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yangquan Pingtanzhen solar farm | 50 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yuxian Sunjiazhuang Liujiapo solar farm | 100 | Operating | |
| Shanxi Province Yuxian Xianrenxiang Donghuili solar farm | 50 | Operating |
Changzhi City
From January to October 2022, electricity generation from "New Energy Sources" totaled 2,846 GWh. The installed capacity reached 2,310 MW, equivalent to 19.2% of the total capacity in Changzhi City. The energy goal is to increase the capacity from "New Energy Sources" by 10,529 MW during the 14th five-year (2021-2025) period. By 2025, it is anticipated that solar and wind energy will account for 50% of the electricity generation in Changzhi City.[32]
| New Energy Sources | 2022 | 2025(target) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Capacity | 2,310MW | 10,529MW |
| Electricity Generation | 2,846GWh | 50% from solar and wind |
Shuozhou City
Energy target in 14th Five Year period[33]
| Energy Source | 2020 | 2025(target) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 15,109.2MW | 32,000MW |
| Coal | 9,250MW(61.22%) | 16,000MW(50%) |
| Wind | 4,963.2MW(32.85%) | 16,000MW(50%) |
| Solar | 842MW(5.57%) | |
| Biomass | 54MW(0.36%) | |
| Storage | 3,000MW(3.6GWh) |
In 2020, coal production in Shuozhou city reached 173 million tons per year. Currently, there are 64 coal mines in Shuozhou, with an annual production of 196 million tons, making it the third-largest coal production city in China and the foremost in Shanxi Province. The city is aiming to achieve a production target of 200 million tons per year by 2025. [33]
Major renewable energy projects in the city are
- Shanxi Shanyin Mined-Out Area Management Solar/Storage/Hydrogen complex(山阴县100MW采煤沉陷区生态综合治理+光伏储氢基地项目) with 100MW in pre-construction stage.
- Shanxi Pingshuo Mining Area solar farm (中煤平朔集团有限公司平朔矿区 200MW光伏发电项目) with 160MW in pre-construction stage. [34]
Jinzhong City
The installed capacity from "New Energy Sources" will be doubled in 2025, reaching 40% of the total capacity in Jinzhong City.[35]
The major renewable energy project in the city is Shanxi Lingshi Yuqing Mined-Out Area solar power plant (灵石庆余采煤沉陷区100MW光储+矸石山生态治理一体化项目工程(EPC)总承包项目) with 100MW in construction.
Xinzhou City
The city has set a target to add 1,000 MW of newly installed capacity from distributed renewable energy sources by 2025. This capacity will be allocated across various sectors, with a focus on distributed solar power:[36]
| Energy Source | Deployment Location | 2025(target) |
|---|---|---|
| Solar | Agricultural Facilities | 50MW |
| Transportation Facilities | 100MW | |
| Newly constructed public building | 50MW | |
| Roof-top demonstration sites in Yuanping City, Wutai County, and Yifu District in Xinzhou City | 110MW | |
| Wind | Idle lands in agricultural towns | 110MW |
| replacement and upgrade of old wind farms within the city. | 200MW |
Jincheng City
Jincheng City stands at the forefront of China's coalbed methane sector, boasting the nation's most significant production of anthracite and coalbed methane.[20]
Potential of Renewables
Potential impacts from renewables expansion
Fossil Fuel in Shanxi
Fossil Resources and Retirement
In the first half of 2023, enterprises in Shanxi achieved a coal production of 678 million tons, accounting for 29.48% of the nation's total coal production. This marks the third consecutive year that they have held the top position in coal production in China.[38]
In 2022, Shanxi then signed long-term contracts with 620 million tons of thermal coal in total to supply 24 provinces.[39]
The historical trend on the production of coal in Shanxi is as the chart below.[40] Today, according to Global Coal Mine Tracker, there are 679 operational coal mines producing 1.3 billion tonnes in 2023, while two are cancelled, six mothballed, and six shelved, but still 46 coal mines are proposed.[41]
In January 2023, the Shanxi government published its Action Plan of Technology Support for Carbon Dioxide Peaking 2020-2030 (山西省科技支撐碳達峰碳中和實施方案（2022—2030年）)[18] In this provincial plan, several targets for coal reduction and the energy system were outlined:
1. By 2025, the provincial government aims to reduce the average coal consumption rate for electricity supply to at least 300g of coal per kWh at the provincial level. (The national average rate was 302.3g/kWh as of July 2023)[42]
2. By 2025, the plan includes phasing out old, inefficient coal mines, increasing the average production for each coal mining well to 1,750 thousand tons per year, and reaching a total number of coal mines of 820 (there were approximately 703 in Shanxi as of the end of December 2021)[43]
By 2025, Shanxi plans to establish five carbon-neutral coal mines with a 20% reduction in emissions compared to the 2020 level, ultimately achieving zero emissions by 2030.[44]
Coalbed Methane
Shanxi contains rich fossil fuel resources, including coalbed methane. As of 2020, the cumulative proven reserves of coalbed methane in the region stood at 660.128 billion cubic meters, representing 90.94% of the national total.[45]
In June 2023, the production of coalbed methane in Shanxi reached 880 million cubic meters, accounting for 81.5% of the total coalbed methane production in China during the same period. Up to the first half of 2023, the accumulated coalbed methane extracted in Shanxi reached 5.24 billion cubic meters, setting a new historical record for that period.
Presently, Shanxi maintains an annual coalbed methane production of at least 20 billion cubic meters, catering to both provincial demand and export as natural gas.[46]
By 2025, Shanxi aims to have extracted 20 billion to 25 billion cubic meters of coalbed methane, according to the province's 14th five-year development plan for 2021 to 2025.[47]
Impacts from fossil fuel
The extraction of coal resources can lead to a deterioration in both the quantity and quality of groundwater, while open-pit mining can result in pollution affecting land, rivers, vegetation, households, and more. In 2015, field research conducted using remote-sensing images in Shanxi revealed that the heavily subsided area covered 1,099 km², abandoned coal mines spanned 3,362 km², and the subsidence area alone accounted for 960 km².[4]
In the closed coal mines area, there is an issue of water leakage, and the water resources within these coal mines contain various chemical substances. An analysis of the Xishan Mining area indicated that the pH value ranges from 2.28 to 5.26, sulfate ion (SO42-) levels range between 1,002 to 13,000 mg/L, iron (Fe) concentrations vary from 213 to 457 mg/L, and manganese (Mn) levels fall within the range of 23.2 to 34.3 mg/L. Overall, the data reveals that the water is highly acidic and contains elevated levels of iron, manganese, and sulfate ions, raising concerns about its suitability for drinking water purposes.[4]
In 2015, the pollution from coal mines impacting rivers had shown improvement compared to the situation a decade earlier, when polluted water bodies spanned a length of 3,753 km in 2005. However, in 2015, there were still 32 water bodies comprising a total of 344 km of surface water systems experiencing issues such as water losses and interrupted flows.[4]
Heavy metals tend to accumulate in the soil in regions surrounding coal mines due to various factors, including emissions from coal combustion, dust emissions, spontaneous combustion of gangue piles, leaching, and the discharge of water from mined-out areas as a result of extraction activities. Soil quality analysis conducted in different coal mine regions within Shanxi revealed elevated values of certain heavy metals, with concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb ranging from 6.75 to 23.50 mg/kg, 0.108 to 0.450 mg/kg, 83.7 to 112.0 mg/kg, 0.080 to 0.720 mg/kg, and 17.9 to 31.7 mg/kg, respectively. These concentrations significantly exceeded the average environmental background soil values in Shanxi, indicating substantial pollution and cumulative effects resulting from coal.[4]
In 2018, the coal mining and refining industry in Shanxi emitted a total of 8,400 tons of smoke and dust, along with an annual release of 56,000 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Detrimental substances such as smoke, dust, and SO2 originating from coal mines continued to be a concern. Monitoring data from the Xishan Mining area indicated concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) ranging from 18.13 to 167.00 mg/m³ and sulfur dioxide (SO2) densities between 1.56 to 42.00 mg/m³. Pollution remained concentrated in specific areas, despite ongoing intervention and recovery projects. The rate of recovery to environmental background values in these regions was notably slower compared to non-coal mining areas.[4]
Employment
Current employment from the fossil fuel sector
In August 2023, the number of coal mine workers in Shanxi was estimated to be around 230,000[48]
Regarding the coal industry, Shanxi province employed over 900,000 workers in 2022. According to the Shanxi Low-Carbon Energy Development 2023 report[49] from the Shanxi Coshare Innovation Institute of Energy & Environment, coal industry workers in Shanxi constitute more than a third of the national total. The number is five times higher than the figures in Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi, which are the second and third coal production provinces after Shanxi.
Prospective employment from the renewable energy sectort
Land availability
The total area of Shanxi is 156,700 km2; of that, 64,800 km2 is coal-bearing strata. In 2015, the coal mines-related area was 182.4 km2; of that, abandoned and closed coal mines were 11.8 km2.[4]
From Global Energy Monitor's data, the coal mines in Shanxi that have been closed, mothballed, or shelved have a total land size of 81.18 km2. These retired coal mine spaces may have the potential to deploy renewable energy facilities.
Still, there are 46 proposed and 679 active coal mines in Shanxi. The total land sizes of the proposed and active coal mines are 1,543.22 km² and 9,924.04 km², respectively.[41]
| Status | Coal Mine | Land Size (km²) |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelled | Shanxi Zhengbang Coal Mine | 3.4267 |
| Shanxi Xinfeng Coal Mine | ||
| Mothballed | Shaqu No. 1 Coal Mine | 70.72 km² |
| Shenda Yuanning Coal Mine | 5.4026 km² | |
| Shuozhou Shijieyu Coal Mine | 6.3 km² | |
| Yicheng Baozi Coal Mine | 7.72 km² | |
| Zhengxing Coal Mine | 10.47 km² | |
| Shanxi Datong Xingwang Coal Mine | ||
| Shelved | Nanwan Coal Mine | |
| Shanxi Yongxing Surface Coal Mine | ||
| Shanxi Langxing Surface Coal Mine | ||
| Xucun Coal Mine | ||
| Zhengfeng Coal Mine | ||
| Zhengming Coal Mine |
Civil Society Engagement
- Shanxi Coshare Innovation Institute of Energy & Environment(山西科城能源环境创新研究院) is a non-profit organization in Shanxi collaborating among governments, enterprises, academics, and social organizations on facilitating industrial green development and fulfilling carbon neutrality.[50]
- Jinqing(山西青年环境文化交流中心／晋青) was founded in 2002 by a group of young environmental participants in Shanxi. The organization aims to support a coal phase-out future with just transition and increase environmental protection awareness and initiatives for civil society.[51]
Governmental information
Related governmental policies and papers
In 2019, the General Office of the Chinese Communist Party and General Office of the State Council published the "Opinions on Pilot Projects for Comprehensive Reform of Energy Revolution in Shanxi"(关于在山西开展能源革命综合改革试点的意见). The paper aimed to utilize energy resources in Shanxi, including green energy, unconventional natural gas, and coal, to serve as the demonstration site for national energy development.[52][53][54]
Since 2022, the Shanxi government published several papers on energy development. This includes:[3]
- Shanxi Province’s Implementation Opinions on Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutralization(山西省关于完整准确全面贯彻新发展理念切实做好碳达峰碳中和工作的实施意见) The primary objectives of this paper are as follows:[55]
- Achieve non-fossil fuel energy consumption of 12% by 2025 and 18% by 2030.
- Attain a 50% installed capacity and 30% electricity generation from new and clean energy sources by 2025.
- Ensure that the installed capacity reaches at least 60% from such sources by 2030.
- Target a wind and solar energy installed capacity of 120 GWh by 2030.
- Deploy a storage capacity of 10 GW by 2025, aligned with the expansion of new energy sources.
- During the 14th Five-Year Period (2021-2025), initiate the construction of 10 pumped storage hydropower facilities
- Complete 10 new energy project substations with a capacity of 500 kV by 2025.
- Aim for a peak load reduction capacity of 5%-10% by 2030.
- Shanxi Province Carbon Peak Implementation Plan(山西省碳达峰实施方案)
- Implementation Plan for Carbon Peaking in Industry, Energy, Urban and Rural Construction Fields in the 1+N” Policy System(”1+N”政策体系中的工业、能源、城乡建设等领域碳达峰实施方案)
- Action Plan of Technology Support for Carbon Dioxide Peaking 2020-2030 (山西省科技支撐碳達峰碳中和實施方案（2022—2030年）
- Shanxi Province 14th Five-Year Plan[17]
- In 2023, Shanxi Province passed the "Shanxi Province Regulations on the Promotion of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization," marking the first-ever local regulation in China dedicated to enhancing coal efficiency and utilization.[56]
Relevant governmental ministries and political coalitions
The Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration was founded in 2018 and governance under the People's Government of Shanxi Province.[57]
Transmission
Current transmission resources
In 2020, the total electricity consumption for the State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company's operational area was 2,341 billion KWh, with a maximum provincial grid load of 3,643 MW. As of the end of 2020, the length of transmission lines at 35 KV and above was 57,511 KM, and the substation (converter) capacity was 193,646 MVA (KW).[58]
±800kV Yenmenguan(雁门关) Converter Station is the only Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) Station in Shanxi by 2023.[59]
Shanxi State Grid comprises ultra-high voltage lines with 1000KV as the core, and 500KV as the backbone, forming the foundation of the "Three vertical and four horizontal" grid structure. Additionally, the grid incorporates 200KV lines that operate across seven districts, and 100KV lines provide support within the grid structure. Shanxi State Grid includes four transmission lines exporting electricity to other provinces. The total capacity connected to the state grid amounts to 12.1 TW, and the export capacity reaches 30.62 GW. In the first half of 2023, the province exported a total electricity generation of 7315.2TWh and ranked as the second-highest province in China.[60]
In 2022, three 500KV substations were established in Minghai Lake, Shuozhou City, to address the issue of insufficient transmission capacity for New Energy Sources in the region.[61]
Shanxi Province has formulated the "West to East Power Transmission Plans," consisting of seven optimization and adjustment projects. In May 2023, the Shanxi Yushe—Jinzhong transmission project was successfully completed. This transmission project originates from the 500KV substation in Yushe and terminates at the 1000KV substation in Jinzhong. It mirrors the successful model of transmitting electricity from Shanxi to the Jingjinji Metropolitan Region, encompassing all areas in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, utilizing ultra-high voltage lines. The remaining "West to East Power Transmission Plans" are expected to become operational in 2024 and will play a vital role in supplying both coal and renewable electricity generation to the Jingjinji Metropolitan Region.[62][63]
In 2023, the first solar and storage-powered microgrid commenced operations in Lingxi Village, Lingquan County.[64]
In March 2023, solar electricity generation reached 13.8 GW, constituting 42.11% of the electric load in the province.[65]
New transmission
Action Plan of Technology Support for Carbon Dioxide Peaking 2020-2030 (山西省科技支撐碳達峰碳中和實施方案（2022—2030年）)[18] published in January 2023 outlined to build 10 500kv substations for new energy sources in 2025, and the peak shaving capacity of the power grid reaches 5% of the peak load in 2025 and 5%-10% by 2030.
In Shanxi, there are villages located at the end of the distribution networks of 10Kv. These areas are also under conditions of poor transportation access and high forest coverage rates, which make it difficult to expand the grid to these sites. In order to raise electricity access in Shanxi, the government selected 126 villages with a total of 392 households to build Solar Storage Micro Grids. The purpose is to support the electricity demand of these villages and monitor the operation to better improve a carbon-free electricity grid.[66]
The new transmission project, "West Electricity to East," in Shanxi, comprises seven 500 kV lines and two ultra-high voltage expansions. This construction aims to alleviate the high energy demand in the Jing-Jin-Ji region.[67] Upon completion, it will mark the first provincial transmission system primarily supported by ultra-high voltage in the world.[68]
Social and environmental impacts of new transmission
Ownership
Shanxi is a province with abundant energy resources. In the "Top 500 Energy Companies Ranking in China" of the total revenue published by China Energy News, Shanxi claimed a remarkable presence with 50 companies listed, securing the highest number of companies from any province in the country.[69]
Major owners of current fossil capacity
Jinneng Holding Shanxi Electric Power Co. Ltd is the largest parent company overseeing a combined capacity of 12,320MW in Shanxi. This includes three operating coal power plants, namely the Changzhi power station, Hejin power station, and Shanxi Houma power station, with a total capacity of 4,320MW. Additionally, the company has two power plants in the pre-permit stage, the Beixinyao power station and the Tongmei Datang power station, with a total capacity of 6,000MW.
Major owners of prospective renewables
For solar energy, China Guangdong Nuclear Solar Energy Development Co. Ltd is the largest owner of solar farms in Shanxi, with ownership of 10 operating and pre-construction solar farms, totaling 850MW in capacity. The largest owner of wind farms in Shanxi is Shanghai Sineng Investment Co. Ltd, which owns four operating wind farms and has partly announced or under-construction projects, with a total capacity of 520MW.
Finance
Potential providers of wind/solar finance
In April 2023, the Shanxi Province Wind Equipment Industrial Coalition(山西省风电装备产业联盟) was founded. Taiyuan Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. entered into agreements with six enterprises, including Huadian Shanxi Energy Company Limited and Jiangsu Jiuding Group Co. Ltd., with a total investment of 2.1 billion RMB (approximately 294 million USD at the September 2023 exchange rate) for the development of wind farms.[70]
Other
The total investment in energy industrial, green transition, and energy revolution projects in Shanxi Province amounted to 50.65 billion RMB (approximately 7.91 billion USD at the September 2023 exchange rate), constituting 14.9% of the total investment in the province. By July 2023, 88.6% of these projects have started construction.[71]
In 2023, Shanxi successfully conducted its first Green Certificate Electricity Trading. This trading initiative involved 5,900 certificates generated from solar energy, equivalent to 5.9GW of capacity. The introduction of this trading system is expected to attract increased investment in renewable energy projects within the province.[72]
Articles and resources
Related GEM.wiki articles
References
- ↑ 能源大省迈出高质量发展新步伐 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Sep-3-2022
- ↑ 山西上半年累计产煤近6.8亿吨, XINHUANET, July-22-2023
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 山西省“双碳”战略实践 Institute for Global Decarbonization Progress, July-6-2023
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 山西省煤矿区生态环境的问题与挑战 党晋华. 山西省煤矿区生态环境的问题与挑战[J].中国煤炭，2021，47(1)：117-121.doi, Coal China
- ↑ 【转型进行时】推动能源革命 支撑转型发展 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, March-15-2021
- ↑ 山西全省高速公路分布式光伏发电项目获备案, 中国能源网, Nov-29-2023
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Coal Plant Tracker, January 2024 release.
- ↑ Global Oil and Gas Plant Tracker, Global Energy Monitor, February 2024.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Hydropower Tracker, May 2023 release.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Solar Power Tracker, December 2023 release.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Global Energy Monitor, Global Wind Power Tracker, December 2023 release.
- ↑ 山西煤电转型路径求新求变 People.CN 人民网, July-24-2023
- ↑ 山西电网光伏发电出力再创新高 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, March-22-2023
- ↑ 【能源革命观察】煤电+新能源，多能互补风帆劲 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, July-11-2023
- ↑ 【能源革命观察】煤电+新能源，多能互补风帆劲 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, July-11-2023
- ↑ 2023年6月山西省发电量及发电结构统计分析 Huaon.com, Aug-21-2023
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 山西省可再生能源发展“十四五”规划 Shanxi Provincial Energy Bureau(山西省发展和改革委员会 山西省能源局), Sep 2022
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 山西省人民政府印发山西省碳达峰实施方案的通知（晋政发〔2022〕29号） National Center for Strategic Research and International Cooperation on Climate Change, Jan-9-2023
- ↑ 山西省推进分布式可再生能源发展三年行动计划(2023—2025年) Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Feb 2023
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 多能互补 我省推动传统能源与新能源优化组合 Energy Provincial Energy Administration, April-18-2023
- ↑ 全省首例高速公路服务区分布式光伏发电项目并网 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Dec-23-2020
- ↑ 山西交控高速公路光伏發電量突破1300萬千瓦·時 People CN, Jan-15-2021
- ↑ 到2025年力争光伏装机10GW！山西大同十四五规划发布, BJX, People's Government of Datong City, Shanxi, June-30-2021
- ↑ 吕梁市“十四五”能源革命及现代能源体系专项规划 The People's Government of Luliang City, November-20-2021
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 太原市“十四五”能源发展规划方案（2021-2025年） Taiyuan People's Government, 2021
- ↑ 运城市“十四五”未来产业布局专项规划, People's government of Yuncheng City, Jan-2022
- ↑ 山西一季度11地市财政收入，太原第1，吕梁领先长治，阳泉垫底, Sohu, May-14-2023
- ↑ 红色矿山 阳泉：中共创建第一城, 中国矿业报, April-24-2022
- ↑ 山西阳泉：采煤沉陷区上“种太阳”, 中华人民共和国中央人民政府, July-23-2017
- ↑ 阳泉市能源综合利用率稳步提升, Sohu-阳泉日报, July-31-2023
- ↑ 关于印发阳泉市“十四五”工业高质量发展规划的通知, Yangquan Peopel's Government China Nengyuan, Dec 2021
- ↑ 国网长治供电：全力服务“十四五”千万千瓦新能源并网 CNenergynews, Nov-18-2022
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 朔州市“十四五”能源革命、现代能源体系建设及电力发展规划 Shuozhou People's Government, Aug-17-2023
- ↑ 【能源革命观察】煤电+新能源，多能互补风帆劲, Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, July-11-2023
- ↑ 山西晋中：到2025年力争新能源装机容量翻番 占比达到40% Beijixing News, July-20-2022
- ↑ 忻州市人民政府办公室关于印发忻州市推进分布式可再生能源发展三年行动计划（2023—2025年）的通知 Xinzhou City People's Government, April-27-2023
- ↑ Shanxi, China, Global Solar Atlas Retrieved on Sep 25 2023.
- ↑ 加快“五大基地”建设，山西能源绿色转型未来已来 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Aug-15-2023
- ↑ 【能源革命观察】“煤电联营”步履新 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, July-4-2023
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Coal Production: Shanxi 1993-2023, CEIC Data, Nov-2023
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Global Coal Mine Tracker, Global Energy Monitor, April 2024 release.
- ↑ China Coal Consumption Rate of Electricity Supply: Year to Date CEIC, July 2023
- ↑ 山西：扛起能源保供大任 推动产业高质量发展 People.CN, March-4-2022
- ↑ 山西制定“零碳矿山”路线图 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration,Aug-7-2023
- ↑ 山西加大煤层气勘查开采支持力度 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Aug-10-2023
- ↑ 我省上半年累计抽采煤层气创历史同期产量新高 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Aug-7-2023
- ↑ Coal-rich Chinese province extracts 1.71 bln cubic meters of coalbed methane Xinhua, March-20-2023
- ↑ 持续发力电煤保供 山西前7月累计产煤近8亿吨 China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association, Aug 23 2023
- ↑ 山西青年环境文化交流中心, Ngo2.0 Map, retrieved in Dec-28-2023
- ↑ 山西省国家资源型经济转型综合配套改革试验总体方案 National Development and Reform Commission, 2019
- ↑ 瞭望·治国理政纪事丨争当全国能源革命排头兵 News China, July-30-2023
- ↑ 山西加快开展能源革命综合改革试点——在新时代坐标上争当排头兵 CPC News, Sep-18-2019
- ↑ 中共山西省委 山西省人民政府关于完整准确全面贯彻新发展理念切实做好碳达峰碳中和工作的实施意见 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Jan-16-2023
- ↑ 山西省在全国率先立法促进煤炭清洁高效利用 National Development and Reform Commission, Jan-31-2023
- ↑ 山西省能源局挂牌成立 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Oct-31-2018
- ↑ 电网业务 State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Retrieved in Sep-25-2023
- ↑ 今年前5个月电力外送721.8亿千瓦时 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, June-15-2023
- ↑ 山西2022年外送电量超1400亿千瓦时 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Jan-16-2023
- ↑ [山西省新能源装机突破4000万千瓦 文章標題] Xin Hua Net, Jan-27-2023
- ↑ 榆社—晋中1000千伏变电站500千伏线路工程投运 山西“西电东送”新增特高压通道 State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, China, May-26-2023
- ↑ 国网山西电力：山西首个西电东送通道调整工程投运 State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, May-26-2023
- ↑ 我省首个光储一体公用型微电网建成投运 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, June-22-2023
- ↑ 山西电网光伏发电出力再创新高 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, March-22-2023
- ↑ 我省首个光储一体公用型微电网建成投运 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, June-22-2023
- ↑ 山西能源生产保障更加有力 Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, April-28-2023
- ↑ 山西建设特高压主干骨架省级电网 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Sep-2-2020
- ↑ 山西50家！2022中国能源企业（集团）500强榜单出炉 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, Dec-5-2022
- ↑ 现场签约超21亿！山西省风电装备产业联盟成立 Beijixing News, April-10-2023
- ↑ 截至7月底 我省能源革命类重点建设项目开工率达88.6% Shanxi Provincial Energy Administration, Aug-15-2023
- ↑ 我省实现首单平价新能源项目绿证电力交易 The People's Government of Shanxi Province, May 2023
