The reality behind China's 'green power'

Problems for China’s wind generator operators

Wind farm operators have been experiencing various technical and environmental problems ignored at the time of commitment.

While the projected wind input has failed to reach expectations, it is only one contributing factor to mounting problems. More than 30 per cent of China’s wind power assets do not contribute to China’s green energy generation due to:

• lack of local energy demand;
• no grid connection due to remote locations; and
• grid connections considered too expensive.

Problems for those wind farms connected to the grid include:

• grid operators not paying the price for wind generated electricity;
• effects of voltage fluctuation due to variable winds on grid management; and
• operators will not pay the high cost of compensating technology to smooth voltage flow in varying conditions and grid demand.

Grid upgrade needed for wind and solar power

Wind farm operators will face increasing problems as China progresses with its long distance high-voltage and ultra-high voltage grids, as well as hi-voltage DC transmission lines. China needs a modern, flexible grid to raise the uptake of renewable power. State Grid Corp wants to build a nationwide "strong smart grid" and while smart-grid technology is expanding in developing nations, Beijing drags its feet.

New hi and ultra high voltage grids

While the majority of power flows through 220KV grids, China is investing in high and ultra high voltage grids to carry power that require stable and reliable input to meet long distance transmission demands.

Two 750KV and two 1,000KV transmission lines are under construction to link inland coal and hydropower centres to the industrialised coastal regions. These grids are highly susceptible to fluctuating voltages and need stable and reliable generation input.

Hi-voltage DC grids

Trials are in progress on one 660 KV DC transmission line creating a potential challenge for one or more wind generation operators.