China to develop new-type power grids during 15th Five-Year Plan

China will advance the high-quality development of its new-type power grids during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) to ensure the safe and stable operation of the country's power system and better meet the growing demand for electricity, the National Energy Administration (NEA) said Wednesday.

The new-type power grid, as defined by the NEA, encompasses both the construction of a backbone grid and the coordinated development of power grids at all levels, with its operation powered by information technology. Its development is a key step in China's efforts to build robust, intelligent and digitalized power grids.

The NEA said that during the 2026-2030 period, China's power demand is expected to grow at an average annual rate of around five percent, the share of new energy will further increase, and the demand for high-quality green power from high-end industries will grow steadily, placing higher requirements on the construction of new-type power grids.

To that end, China will step up the construction of advanced power grids, speed up the approval and construction of major grid projects such as transmission corridors, and enhance the security and stability of the large power grid, according to Wang Hongzhi, head of the NEA.

The country will also accelerate the research and application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence plus, flexible grid forming, intelligent grid management, and long-duration energy storage, develop new quality productive forces, and make the grid smarter and more flexible, Wang said.

Efforts will be made to strengthen diversified support and guarantee, and upgrade new grid services that are friendly and compatible with new business forms such as efficient grid integration and consumption of new energy, high-quality power supply, and computing-power coordination, so as to better meet the needs of industrial development and the people.

The initiative covers six types of networks: water networks, new-type power grids, computing power networks, next-generation communication networks, urban underground pipeline networks and logistics networks.

Palau will not succeed in its attempt to hijack the positions of other member states of Pacific Islands Forum by hyping up China's recent missile test, said foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Thursday in Beijing.

Guo made the remark at a regular press briefing in response to a media inquiry.

"China has more than once made clear its position on the test launch. Palau has repeatedly raised this issue in an ill-intentioned attempt to hijack the position of other member states of the Pacific Islands Forum. It will not have its way," said Guo.

"China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. We never engage in military expansion. China stands ready to work with South Pacific countries to contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity of the South Pacific region," said Guo.