China Solidifies Global Leadership in Pumped Storage Energy
The country has emerged as a key player in the pumped storage sector, aiming to enhance its role in global energy transition through innovation and collaboration.
China has established itself as a global leader in pumped storage technology, a sector that stores energy generated from renewable sources for later use, showcasing more than fifty years of dedicated development.
As a cost-effective method of large-scale energy storage, pumped storage has gained prominence in addressing the challenges presented by the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
China's journey in pumped storage began with its first facility in 1968. By the end of 2020, it surged to the front of the global market, boasting the highest capacity both in operation and under construction.
This trajectory has been supported by the government’s Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Pumped Storage, implemented in 2021, fostering further growth in the sector.
As of late 2022, China's total pumped storage capacity reached 58.69 gigawatts, which represents nearly 30 percent of the world’s total, with approximately 200 gigawatts more under construction.
This remarkable advancement illustrates China's comprehensive industrial system, which includes all aspects of pumped storage from standard formulation to equipment manufacturing.
Innovative technologies have played a critical role in enhancing operational efficiency in the sector.
For instance, intelligent planning technologies have optimized facility layouts, contributing to more scientific and efficient operations.
Leading figures in the industry, such as Tan Hua, chairman of China Gezhouba Group Corporation, project that China's operational capacity could reach 120 gigawatts by the end of the decade, doubling earlier forecasts for 2025. Looking further ahead to 2035, a fully modernized pumped storage industry is anticipated to support the burgeoning needs of large-scale renewable energy development.
The potential for growth in pumped storage is underscored by the ongoing integration of hydro, wind, solar, and storage facilities across the country.
These developments are expected to enhance the role of pumped storage stations not only in mainstream energy projects but also in initiatives targeting desert and wasteland regions.
Furthermore, there is a growing interest from international entities in collaborating with China to bolster their own pumped storage capabilities.
Countries such as Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines have expressed interest in leveraging Chinese expertise.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, technologies like pumped storage could meet 35 percent of global grid regulation demand by 2025, with a significant increase in demand projected by 2050.
However, the international expansion of China's pumped storage technology faces challenges, particularly regarding the recognition of Chinese standards globally.
Industry leaders emphasize the importance of establishing a mutual recognition system that aligns China's standards with international guidelines, aiming for cooperation rather than competition in standard-setting.
The country's approach focuses on facilitating collaborative opportunities that can enhance global efforts in energy transition.
As a cost-effective method of large-scale energy storage, pumped storage has gained prominence in addressing the challenges presented by the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
China's journey in pumped storage began with its first facility in 1968. By the end of 2020, it surged to the front of the global market, boasting the highest capacity both in operation and under construction.
This trajectory has been supported by the government’s Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan for Pumped Storage, implemented in 2021, fostering further growth in the sector.
As of late 2022, China's total pumped storage capacity reached 58.69 gigawatts, which represents nearly 30 percent of the world’s total, with approximately 200 gigawatts more under construction.
This remarkable advancement illustrates China's comprehensive industrial system, which includes all aspects of pumped storage from standard formulation to equipment manufacturing.
Innovative technologies have played a critical role in enhancing operational efficiency in the sector.
For instance, intelligent planning technologies have optimized facility layouts, contributing to more scientific and efficient operations.
Leading figures in the industry, such as Tan Hua, chairman of China Gezhouba Group Corporation, project that China's operational capacity could reach 120 gigawatts by the end of the decade, doubling earlier forecasts for 2025. Looking further ahead to 2035, a fully modernized pumped storage industry is anticipated to support the burgeoning needs of large-scale renewable energy development.
The potential for growth in pumped storage is underscored by the ongoing integration of hydro, wind, solar, and storage facilities across the country.
These developments are expected to enhance the role of pumped storage stations not only in mainstream energy projects but also in initiatives targeting desert and wasteland regions.
Furthermore, there is a growing interest from international entities in collaborating with China to bolster their own pumped storage capabilities.
Countries such as Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines have expressed interest in leveraging Chinese expertise.
According to data from the International Energy Agency, technologies like pumped storage could meet 35 percent of global grid regulation demand by 2025, with a significant increase in demand projected by 2050.
However, the international expansion of China's pumped storage technology faces challenges, particularly regarding the recognition of Chinese standards globally.
Industry leaders emphasize the importance of establishing a mutual recognition system that aligns China's standards with international guidelines, aiming for cooperation rather than competition in standard-setting.
The country's approach focuses on facilitating collaborative opportunities that can enhance global efforts in energy transition.
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