Accelerating the construction of a new power system is on the cards after a comprehensive strategy was released by China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the National Energy Administration (NEA), and the National Data Bureau on August 6, detailing nine special actions to achieve tangible results in building a new power system by 2027.

"Accelerating the construction of a new power system is of great significance to help achieve the goal of carbon peaking and neutrality, and is an effective measure to respond to the challenges of power transformation," said an NEA official.

The nine special actions include efforts to stabilize the power system, large-scale new energy delivery, construction of an intelligent power dispatching system, and expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

At present, trans-provincial transmission channels mainly transport coal power, hydropower and other traditional power, while new energy accounts for a relatively low proportion.

Therefore, the strategy proposes to increase the trans-provincial delivery of new energy electricity, and apply advanced technologies in new transmission lines.

To increase the level of wind and photovoltaic power in regulating the peaks and valleys of the power system, a number of system-friendly new energy power stations and smart microgrid projects will be built.

As the development of China's new energy vehicle sector speeds up, proposals to enhance the layout of the charging infrastructure network, and promote the integration of EVs with the power grid have been made.

"High-quality development of the power distribution system requires a favorable policy environment and appropriate institutional mechanisms," said Wang Chengshan, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor of School of Electrical Automation and Information Engineering at Tianjin University.

Wang suggested that on the one hand, it's necessary to support emerging business entities in such fields as distributed new energy and electric vehicles to independently and equally participate in electricity trading.

On the other hand, the country should improve the electricity price mechanism, mobilising all parties to invest in the construction of new energy storage, charging facilities, and virtual power plants.