Shi Yubo: Advancing Toward an Energy Powerhouse, Technological Innovation is the Core Driver

How can AI and technological innovation become the core driving forces for building a strong energy nation?

Recently, the 11th China Energy Development and Innovation Conference was held in Beijing. Shi Yubo, Chairman of the China Energy Research Society, stated that to vigorously promote the construction of an energy powerhouse, coordinated efforts and integrated advancement are necessary to establish a complete practical pathway. He also proposed six suggestions:

1. Based on resource endowments, strengthen the foundation of energy security. In the process of moving toward carbon neutrality, coal remains the “ballast stone” of energy security. We must adhere to a strategy of prioritizing development before breaking, optimize the combination of traditional and new energy sources, fully promote oil and gas reserves and production, deepen the “three reforms and linkage” of coal power, accelerate the transformation of coal power into basic and system regulation power sources, safeguard the bottom line of safe development, and create space for large-scale development of new energy.

2. Anchor the “dual carbon” goals and strengthen the role of clean energy. The 14th Five-Year Plan outlines a tenfold increase in non-fossil energy over ten years, with about 70% of future energy consumption growth to be met by non-fossil energy. We must adhere to a multi-energy complementarity of wind, solar, water, and nuclear power, accelerate the construction of large-scale wind and photovoltaic bases in “Shago Desert,” develop integrated water, wind, and solar bases in Southwest China, and steadily and orderly promote offshore nuclear and deep-sea wind power development, making green electricity the main driver of energy growth.

3. Focus on system resilience and build a comprehensive safety guarantee network. High proportions of renewable energy grid integration demand higher regulation capabilities of the power system. While scaling up renewable energy, optimize the allocation of power resources and cross-regional transmission channels, accelerate the construction of ultra-high voltage and smart grids, scientifically plan pumped storage, vigorously develop new energy storage technologies, and comprehensively enhance the power system’s complementarity, mutual support, safety, and resilience.

4. Activate innovation momentum and break through key technological bottlenecks. Moving from a major energy country to an energy powerhouse, technological innovation is the core driver. China has built the world’s largest renewable energy system and formed the most complete new energy industry chain. Looking ahead, we should focus on cutting-edge global science and technology, accelerate the independence and controllability of key components and core materials, cultivate new green fuel sources such as green hydrogen and green methanol, and promote the deep integration of digital intelligence and the energy industry to firmly grasp the initiative in development.

5. Deepen institutional reform and improve the modern governance system. Building an energy powerhouse requires effective market mechanisms and proactive government coordination. During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China aims to establish a unified national electricity market system, improve the dispatching mechanism of the “national grid” for oil and gas, refine pricing mechanisms suitable for the new energy system, promote market-oriented reforms of grid-connected electricity prices by category, create a stable, transparent, and predictable market environment, and fully stimulate the vitality of various market entities.

6. Expand opening-up and cooperation, and practice the concept of win-win development. Energy security is a global challenge, and energy transition is a shared human endeavor. China should leverage the “Belt and Road” initiative to build closer global energy cooperation partnerships, promote infrastructure connectivity, actively participate in international rule-making, and facilitate the internationalization of technology, equipment, and standards, demonstrating Chinese wisdom and contributing Chinese strength in the global energy governance transformation.