A study released with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) on how Zhejiang can cut emissions and cost by optimising a coal-dominated power system. Peak load rose from 120 GW in 2024 to 135 GW in 2025 while renewables still supply under 10%, leaving the province reliant on coal and imported power.
Differentiated coal dispatch and coal-fleet optimisation could cut coal emissions by 11% in 2025 and lower system costs by 2.5% in 2030 — on the order of RMB 60–70 billion a year — while nearly doubling wind and solar shares without curtailment. High-efficiency units would run more than 7,000 hours; inefficient plants move to reserve and backup.
The argument is about sequencing: flexibility in coal-heavy systems should start with portfolio optimisation and transparent scheduling, not with expensive storage or demand-side action under non-stress conditions. The reform list includes adjusting reserve requirements, enabling flexible interprovincial flows, and strengthening real-time operational transparency.