- China wants to increase its new storage capacity to 30GW by 2025.
- The country believes it is vital to ensuring increased clean energy additions.
- China plans to increase clean energy contribution to the energy mix to 50% by 2025.
China has set its sights on installing over 30GW of new energy storage capacity by 2025 as it looks to boost its clean energy consumption while ensuring its grid is reliable. New energy storage comprises electricity storage processes that utilise electrochemical, compressed air, flywheel and supercapacitor systems. According to the China Energy Storage Alliance, China currently has a total energy storage capacity of about 35GW, of which only 3.3GW is classified as new energy storage.
China’s state economic planner the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated that pumped hydro energy storage and new energy storage are significant technologies needed to support new power systems. “They are vital for promoting green energy transition, responding to extreme situations and ensuring energy security,” the statement adds.
China has stated that it plans to increase the share of clean energy in its power generation mix from 42 per cent currently to over 50 per cent by 2025. This would require significant energy storage capacity to maintain grid stability. The NDRC intends to commission a study and develop a new energy storage development plan for 2021-2025. The Commission is also exploring the conversion of decommissioned thermal power plants sites to energy storage facilities.