Will China build a global power grid?

The technology acts as a key component in China's proposal to build a global power grid, known as the Global Energy Interconnection. The idea – announced by China's president Xi Jinping at a United Nations summit in 2015 – is to link up national grids over the next three decades.

Are power grids getting enough attention?

Countries need to adopt more ambitious plans to phase out the fossil fuels causing climate change and back those plans up with the policies and necessary funding to switch to clean energy. The IEA report emphasizes that power grids are a big part of that transition, and yet, grids don’t seem to be getting enough attention in that regard.

Why is China's power grid creaking?

China ’s creaking grid represents a major constraint to progress on its green energy transition. During the first four months of this year alone, China invested Rmb122.9bn ($17bn) in its power grid projects, a 24.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

What challenges will China's grid face?

Ken Liu, head of China renewables, utilities and energy research at UBS, said a critical challenge was the improvement of the dispatch system, or software that controls electricity flows to residential, commercial and industrial users. Liu expects as much as 15 per cent of China’s total grid capital spending to be allocated to this software.

How much money did China invest in power grid projects?

During the first four months of this year alone, China invested Rmb122.9bn ($17bn) in its power grid projects, a 24.9 per cent year-on-year increase. That compares with the $3.5bn announced last October by US President Joe Biden’s administration, which covers 58 projects across 44 states.

Could aging power grids throw off global climate goals?

Without a global makeover, aging power grids could suffer more blackouts and throw off global climate goals. By Justine Calma, a senior science reporter covering climate change, clean energy, and environmental justice with more than a decade of experience.