Anchored in a people-centric development philosophy, China’s multifaceted approach to winter heating is a testament to its high-quality energy industry development.
As winter tightens its grip on northern China, the nation stands resilient in its commitment to providing efficient heating solutions amidst increasingly harsh weather conditions attributed to climate change. Anchored in a people-centric development philosophy, China’s multifaceted approach to winter heating is a testament to its high-quality energy industry development.
Spanning the vast expanse of the country, China’s northern and southern regions exhibit significant disparities in natural resources, economic development, and lifestyle. In response, a diverse array of heating methods, tailored to local conditions, has emerged over time, supported by the comprehensive development of energy resources, ranging from traditional coal and oil to natural gas and renewable energy.
Over the past decade, China’s energy supply system has undergone a transformative shift towards green, low-carbon, safe, and efficient alternatives. The assurance level and convenience of winter heating have markedly improved, particularly with the replacement of coal by clean energy sources in key regions, including the “2+26” cities and the Fenwei Plain in northern China, benefitting around 25 million households.
The transition to clean energy, however, has not been without challenges. The erratic supply of natural gas during the middle of the 13th Five-Year Plan posed a threat to livelihoods, prompting a reassessment of the natural gas supply system. Substantial improvements have since been made, including advancements in natural gas production, supply, storage, and sales. Despite global fluctuations in natural gas prices, China’s stable import volume, secured through long-term contracts, has bolstered resilience.
Acknowledging the critical nature of uninterrupted heating for its citizens, the National Energy Administration recently convened a meeting with major oil and gas companies and the national pipeline network company in mid-October. The objective was to coordinate efforts and establish specific measures to ensure a steady and uninterrupted natural gas supply during winter.
While natural gas plays a pivotal role, coal and electricity remain essential for guaranteeing undisrupted heating. China’s strategic focus on the simultaneous development and safeguarding of energy resources, including coal and electricity, is evident in its optimized layout of advanced coal production capacity.
The promotion of green and high-quality development in major coal production bases has further contributed to a reliable and stable coal supply across the country.
Efforts to enhance the cross-regional transport system, especially for coal, have played a crucial role in easing the tight supply-demand situation in the domestic coal market. This, coupled with a flexible transmission mechanism for coal and electricity prices, ensures an ample supply of coal to meet winter heating needs.
Despite the steady increase in total electricity consumption, China has experienced fluctuating year-on-year growth rates, largely due to the rapid expansion of new energy sources such as wind and solar power.
This transformation in the power supply structure has elevated the role of electricity generated from new energy resources, while the coal-fired power sector has undergone a cleaner and more efficient transition, contributing to improved security for centralized heating and electric heating.
The electricity market’s increased dynamism and standardized demand-side management have further bolstered the uninterrupted supply of electricity during winter. The collective advancements made by the new energy and coal-fired power sectors signify a significant stride toward ensuring a smooth and sustainable supply of heating during the harshest months.
In conclusion, China’s comprehensive and adaptable approach to winter heating, rooted in a commitment to green and sustainable energy, serves as a global benchmark. As the nation continues to navigate challenges posed by extreme weather events and climate change, its dedication to energy security and the well-being of its citizens stands as a shining example of effective, people-centric development in the face of a changing world.