New 'Internet ＋' Strategy Aims at Smart Energy Network
04/07/2016
Smart energy. Image: news.lng168
Since securing energy supplies is essential for China's development, an Internet Plus energy strategy has risen in response, focusing on industry integration and innovative development.
The National Development and Reform Commission published the Internet Plus Smart Energy Action Plan in February, in which the government outlined key tasks for the development of an energy internet.
This action is designed to integrate the internet, cloud computing, big data and the internet of things with energy production, transmission, storage and consumption. It includes making energy infrastructure smart, building a network of multi-energy microgrids and developing big-data services for the energy industry.
Li Ye, chief economic manager of the National Energy Administration. Image: finance.sina
Since its announcement, the action plan has attracted many investors who are eager to develop their businesses in the smart-energy sector. The increasing cooperation between internet enterprises and auto manufacturers brings opportunities to not only the renewable-energy industry but also the traditional energy sectors of coal, natural gas and oil, according to Li Ye, chief economic manager of the National Energy Administration during a policy briefing held by the Information Office of the State Council on June 24.
Moreover, the relationship between energy providers and users will be changed. A green energy internet trading platform was planned, through which energy producers and consumers will be able to directly buy and sell electricity generated from wind, solar and hydropower. Every energy consumer can become an energy seller by trading extra electricity or other forms of energy through the internet.
The action plan also says the government will encourage building charging stations for electric vehicles based on renewable energy in cities around tourist spots, and along expressways.
