FOSHAN CITY KURUI LIGHTING CO.,LTD , https://www.kuruilighting.com
Wind power is currently the fastest-growing segment within the global new energy sector. However, in China, the utilization rate of wind power has been on a declining trend, raising concerns about efficiency and sustainability. According to statistical data, in 2012, the average utilization hours for wind power equipment in China were 1,890, which was 30 hours less than in 2011. This decline highlights a growing issue: wind turbines are often "wasting" available wind resources due to insufficient grid capacity. At the same time, the expansion of wind power projects continues at a rapid pace. In 2012 alone, 14.6 million kilowatts of new wind power capacity were added, as reported by the 2013 National Energy Work Conference. With plans to add another 18 million kilowatts this year, the total installed wind power capacity in China is expected to reach 78.83 million kilowatts by the end of the year. If no effective measures are taken, the problem of "wind curtailment" is likely to worsen.
According to analysts from Champ Consulting, one of the main challenges facing wind power development lies in improving the transportation infrastructure. Currently, most of China’s wind power generation is concentrated in regions with high wind potential, such as the northern provinces. However, these areas often have limited local demand for electricity, leading to an imbalance between supply and consumption. Additionally, the lack of efficient transmission systems means that much of the generated electricity remains unused. This is particularly evident during off-peak hours, such as late at night or during autumn and winter, when wind resources are abundant but demand drops. The inability of thermal power plants to accommodate wind energy further exacerbates the problem, resulting in significant waste of renewable resources.
While China's wind power industry is expanding rapidly, it would be misleading to blame the waste of wind energy solely on the construction of wind farms. In fact, some regions still experience power shortages during peak hours, indicating that the overall energy system is not yet oversupplied. However, the challenge of efficiently transmitting wind power from resource-rich areas to energy-demanding regions remains a critical barrier to sustainable growth. To address this, accelerating the development of long-distance ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission lines is essential. These advanced transmission systems could serve as a key solution to improve wind power utilization and support the broader integration of renewable energy.
According to the "2013–2017 China Wind Power Market Analysis and Investment Strategy Report" published by Champ Consulting, new energy development is expected to remain a policy-driven sector in China. As a clean and renewable energy source, wind power is a central focus of global efforts to transition toward sustainable energy. Therefore, wind power is expected to continue its rapid growth in the coming years. However, the key challenge will be how to effectively transport surplus wind power from remote areas to more developed regions in the east. By doing so, not only can the western regions benefit economically by utilizing their natural resources, but it can also reduce the pressure on thermal power in the east, leading to environmental improvements. This kind of regional synergy could play a crucial role in shaping the future of China's energy landscape.