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Abstract: Wind energy is an important renewable energy source because of its reliability due to the maturity of the technology, good infrastructure and relative cost competitiveness. Rich wind resources and strong support in regulations by the Chinese government have enabled the wind power industry to grow at a fast speed and the primary market scale has been achieved, making it the second largest wind power market in the world. There has also been an increase in wind energy research in various regions in China during the last few years. As utility-size wind turbines increase in size, and correspondingly their initial capital investment cost, there is an increasing need to monitor the health of these structures. However, most of the research papers in China are about the manufacture and production, such as the simulation of the wind turbine generator system model, the systematic resonance and stability for the world turbine, the wind speed, wind power and pitch adjustment simulation model, and so on. Few papers focus on the structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques of the wind turbine. In this paper, we review the status of the current SHM techniques in wind turbine and analyze the problems of them in China. The aims of this paper are to let more scholars and experts know the status of the current SHM techniques and to do something for building a successful industry in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to analyze the electric-power demand and supply in China efficiently, this paper presents a Grey–Markov forecasting model to forecast the electric-power demand in China. This method takes into account the general trend series and random fluctuations about original time-series data. It has the merits of both simplicity of application and high forecasting precision. This paper was based on historical data of the electric-power requirement from 1985 to 2001 in China, and forecasted and analyzed the electric-power supply and demand in China by the Grey–Markov forecasting model. The forecasting precision of Grey-Markov forecasting model from 2002 to 2004 is 99.42%, 98.05% and 97.56% respectively, and in GM(1,1) Grey forecasting model, it is 98.53%, 94.02% and 88.48%, respectively. It shows that the Grey–Markov forecasting models has higher precision than GM(1,1) Grey forecasting model. The forecast values from 2002 to 2013 were as follows: 16106.7, 18541.3, 20575.7, 23940.5, 24498.0, 26785.1, 27977.2, 29032.2, 31247.5, 33428.8, 35865.4, and 38399.3TWh. The results provide scientific basis for the planned development of the electric-power supply in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

n recent years, the annual curtailment ratio of wind power in China has been around 15%. Although the priority dispatch policy for wind power has been put in place in the country, it is not well implemented. One of the reasons for this is that wind power is viewed by some power system operators as “garbage power” due to its inherent intermittency nature. The improvement of social awareness of the value of wind power deployment is crucial for the effective implementation of the priority dispatch policy. In this paper, we analyze the impact of the priority dispatch of wind power on energy conservation and environmental improvement, and then compare the generation cost between wind power and coal-fired power while considering environmental externalities. We conclude that the energy intensity in the system decreases as the proportion of wind power generation increases, and the energy intensity is minimized when the proportion reaches 15%–20% provided a small amount of wind power curtailment is allowed. Meanwhile, we confirm that the wind power priority dispatch has significant positive impacts on environmental improvement. Further, we find that wind power generation cost is very close to coal-fired power cost when environmental cost is taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a crucial issue in the wind power industry, it is a tough and challenging task to predict the wind power accurately because of its nonlinearity, non-stationary and chaos. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid model, which combines an integrated processing strategy and an optimized local linear fuzzy neural network, to forecast the wind power. First, discrete wavelet transform and singular spectrum analysis are used to filter out the noises and extract the trends from original wind power series, respectively. Then, the novel no-negative-constraint-combination theory together with the CS algorithm are adopted to integrate these two subseries obtained from the first step to retain strengths of each method. Based on the phase space reconstruction model, we could determine the most proper structure of the input sets and the output sets. Next, the local linear fuzzy neural network, with the initial rule consequent parameters optimized by the seeker optimization algorithm, is utilized to make wind power forecasts for a selected number of forward time steps. The numerical results from two experiments demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model is an effective approach to predict wind power, and the accuracy of prediction is highly improved compared with conventional forecasting models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The renewable energy power generation (REPG) in China has experienced tremendous growth in the last decade. To understand this rapid growth, it is necessary to explore how Chinese government triggers the remarkable development of the industry. This paper offers a systematic analysis of the incentive policy system for REPG in China, covering wind power, solar photovoltaic, small hydropower (single-unit power generation capacity less than 50 MW), biomass power and geothermal power. The incentive system contains laws, regulations, policies and industrial plans issued during the 11th and 12th “Five-year Plan” periods (2006–2015). Four major incentive strategies of the Chinese government are identified: research and development incentives, fiscal and tax incentives, grid-connection and tariff incentives, and market development incentives. The results show these incentive methods have played a significant role in promoting the development of REPG in China, but still there are some problems associated with them. International comparisons of the incentive policies with those of Denmark, Germany and US, as well as the strategies to further improve the Chinese incentive approaches are discussed. This comprehensive analysis of China's incentive policy system for REPG helps to understand China's experience in promoting renewable energy, contributing to better decision-making in policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The intermittent characteristic of a solar-alone or a wind-alone power generation system prevents the standalone renewable energy system from being fully reliable without suitable energy storage capability. In this study, the most traditional and mature storage technology, pumped hydro storage (PHS), is introduced to support the standalone microgrid hybrid solar-wind system. This paper explores a new solution for the challenging task about energy storage. A mathematical model of the hybrid system is developed and the operating principle is introduced. The proposed system is applied in a case study to power a remote island in Hong Kong, and its technical feasibility is then examined. The hour-by-hour simulation results indicate that the intermittent nature of the renewables can be compensated by introducing the PHS technology. Therefore, a reliable and environmentally friendly power supply can be provided. The results demonstrate that technically the PHS based renewable energy system is an ideal solution to achieve 100% energy autonomy in remote communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rural household energy consumption plays an essential role in the daily life of farmers, especially in developing regions. In this paper, we present a study of household energy consumption in terms of energy sources and energy end uses, and analysis of technical and economic issues associated with the use of biomass and renewable energy and the replacement of fossil fuels. Results show that energy from biomass represents the largest share of total energy supply, and that 41.15% of total energy is consumed for home heating and cooking. The average cost of household energy is 1259 RMB ($US193.6) and this expense is no longer subsidized by the government. It takes less than one year to make a solar stove profitable and less than two years to pay back the household cost of biogas digesters. An 8 m3 digester can produce as much energy as 500–550 kg of standard coal or 940 kg of firewood, while a solar stove can generate 1.76 × 103 MJ heat each year. Moreover, it is estimated that in rural China the annual reduction of CO2 and SO2 emissions in 2020, due to the replacement of fossil fuel by biomass, will be 68.86 × 106 and 54.37 × 104 tons, respectively. Overall, the investigations and analyses have revealed that the structure of rural household energy consumption is undergoing a transformation from traditional low-efficiency biomass domination to integrated consumption of traditional and renewable energies. Renewable energy will significantly contribute to the sustainable development of rural households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Facing the energy crisis and the requirement of green power, China is making great efforts to fulfill the international cooperation on renewable energy electricity aimed at protecting the security of electricity supply and economy development. This paper firstly utilizes the tool of SWOT strategy analysis to make a research on internal and external environment of international cooperation on renewable energy electricity in China. Secondly discusses the current situation and existing problems of international cooperation from four dimensions of strength, weakness, opportunity and threat. Then, gives a propose of four different kinds of international cooperation strategies based on the combination analysis of SWOT matrix. Finally puts forward the detailed implementation strategies of the policy recommendations for international cooperation on renewable energy electricity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To increase the supply of electricity and reduce environmental pollution, China has made an effort to boost the renewable energy. As a renewable energy, wind energy has been maintaining a rapid growth over the last ten years. China has the largest construction market for wind power in the world, so it attracts many local and foreign investors. However, because of the lack of a full understanding of China''s complicated administrative procedure for wind power projects, many foreign investors have encountered difficulties when trying to enter the Chinese wind power market. According to the relevant laws, regulations, policies and project practices, this paper puts forward a main management procedure model for Chinese wind power projects as well as four subdivided process models, including the Project Approval Process, the Land Application Process, the Design Process and the Licensing and Construction Process. And then the administrative requirements, milestones and main points of works are identified and analyzed within the framework of the four processes. The results open a window through which both the local and foreign investors can perceive a panoramic procedure for wind power project construction in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With the critical worldwide energy shortage and global environment concern, lignocellulosic biomass is regarded as one of the potential renewable energy resources to substitute conventional fossil fuels. Among various thermo-chemical conversion technologies, gasification is now regarded as an advanced and efficient method. Based on the mechanism of biomass gasification, this paper outlines different types of gasifiers that have been developed in China. Air gasification technology has been employed in the rural areas or forestry/agricultural processing entities. Obviously, the product gas for cooking and heating can significantly upgrade the living standard of rural residents. The product gas for heating boiler and generating electricity benefits the forest or agricultural processing enterprises. For China’s sustainable development of energy and environment, multi-cogeneration of heat, electricity and liquid fuels together with chemical feedstock will be a potential direction for efficiently utilizing product gas from lignocellulosic biomass. This means oxygen (including oxygen-enriched air) gasification and steam gasification should be taken into more consideration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the greatest problems in using renewable energy sources is the great variability of energy level, both in the short and long term. Geothermal energy, by nature, has high availability because the source is not dependent on weather conditions, so it is among the most stable renewable energy sources. In China, urban populations are provided with their electricity requirements, but rural areas need guaranteed electricity for socio-economic development. Fortunately, mid-low temperature geothermal resources are located proximal to rural areas without access to grid electricity in China. Small-scale geothermal power plants can support electricity demand as well as create employment opportunities for the rural public. Therefore, geothermal energy has the potential to play an important role in the future energy supply of China. Based on mid-low temperature geothermal resource and waste heat resource, the paper introduces the energy efficiency of single-flash and binary cycle geothermal power plant. The result shows that binary cycle plant is favorable for power generation when water temperature is below 130 °C, otherwise, flash steam power plant is a better choice. Furthermore, two project cases were analyzed in the end, focusing on the operating parameters and thermal efficiency. The single-flash and binary cycle geothermal power plants could be improved energy efficiency of low-grade resources and both widely utilized in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Chinese government has made an important effort to diversify the country’s energy mix and exploit different sources of renewable energy. Although China’s installed wind power capacity has experienced a dramatic expansion over the past five years, electricity generation from wind power has not increased as expected. This paper aims to present the current status of wind generation in China and analyze the causes of the large discrepancy between installed capacity and generation. We find that this is mainly caused by the inadequacy of the power transmission grid, the absence of economic incentives to transmission and backup generation providers, and the lack of a generation-based renewable portfolio standard. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China is facing a number of energy-related challenges such as the shortage of electricity supply and environmental pollution. Renewable energy is encouraged and will play more important role in the power generation components of China. As a renewable energy, biomass power has a rapid growth in the past decade in China. In line with this development, the biomass power industry faces opportunities for development as well as challenges. Using SWOT analysis method, this paper reviews and assesses the factors of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of biomass power generation industry of China. Data used in the analysis stem from multiple sources including statistical reports, literature, regulations, policies, and case studies. These findings not only help to understand the status quo of the industry, but also provide valuable information to master the future development and potential risks of the industry in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Facing the growing energy demand and the requirement of low-carbon development, China is making great efforts to fulfill the international cooperation on renewable energy aimed at protecting the security of energy and economy. Whereas, energy problems in various countries have become increasingly prominent, and the lack of a multilateral cooperation mechanism has become the key obstacle to the cooperation. This paper analyzes current situation and existing problems of international cooperation on renewable energy in China, and then puts forward the establishment of three cooperation mechanisms: the regional mechanism, the developing countries mechanism and the developing-developed countries mechanism, followed by a summary and analysis of the participants. The principles and steps of mechanisms making and the cooperation institution for mechanism operation will be discussed as well as making some policy recommendations on the cooperation methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From 2002 to 2007, more than 400,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar home systems (SHS) were sold in northwestern China under the US$316 million World Bank/Global Environment Facility-supported Renewable Energy Development Project (REDP). REDP has been hailed as a best practice example in SHS deployment for its unprecedented scale and the combination of technology improvement and market development support components to strengthen the country’s renewable energy industry. While the World Bank has itself conducted post-project evaluations, our paper presents the first independent review with the intent of determining if anticipated project impacts have been sustained. We adopt a case study format supported by in-depth interviews with the project’s relevant stakeholder groups and find that solar home systems (SHS) provide monetary and non-monetary benefits to users and that their portability complements the lifestyle of the region’s nomadic herders. However, we also find that purchasing decisions are still based on price more than quality, after-sales service networks remain weak, and households in REDP’s coverage area are gradually gaining access to hydropower-based grid electricity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Creating better understanding between environmental quality and energy use, this paper collects 150 household energy use data sets, using questionnaires, from households in Lanzhou, China. Converted to kilograms of coal standardized energy equivalent, urban energy usage is calculated at a yearly rate of 490.37 kgce/a per capita and 1598.61 kgce/a per household. Types of emissions are also specified. Coal is the dominant energy source, and maximum environmental benefit is shown to be gained from substituting natural gas and solar energy for coal, and specific measures for substitution are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Measured wind data is one of the key input data for wind farm planning and design. There are always some missing and invalid data in wind measurement, which poses the main challenges for wind energy resources assessment. In this paper, the rules of integrity check and reasonableness check are introduced, then an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model is proposed, in which fuzzy inference algorithm are used to interpolate the missing and invalid wind data. A further comparison and analysis is given between the calculating result and measured data. Meanwhile Using methods of wind shear coefficient and ANFIS, 12 measured wind data sets from a wind farm in North China are interpolated and analyzed, respectively. The results proved the effectiveness of ANFIS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China is facing a number of energy-related challenges such as shortage of electricity supply and environmental pollution. The Government recognized the important role the renewable energy plays in the power generation structure. As a result, a series of supporting policies, laws and regulations have been issued to boost the renewable energies in China. This paper provides a critical analysis of the policy framework for the renewable energy in China and its impacts on the power generation structure. The relevant policy documents, including the most recent government work report delivered by Premier Wen Jia-bao during the Third Session of the 11th National People’s Congress (NPC) in March 2010 are analyzed. The patterns of renewable energy developments are found strongly correlated with the promulgation of relevant policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of non-food crops for bioethanol production represents an important trend for renewable energy in China. In this paper, a bioethanol agro-industrial system with distributed fermentation plants from sweet sorghum is presented. The system consists of the following processes: sweet sorghum cultivation, crude ethanol production, ethanol refining and by-product utilization. The plant capacities of crude ethanol and pure ethanol, in different fractions of useful land, are optimized. Assuming a minimum cost of investment, transport, operation and so on, the optimum capacity of the pure ethanol factory is 50,000tonnes/year. Moreover, this bioethanol system, which requires ca. 13,300ha (hectares) of non-cultivated land to supply the raw materials, can provide 26,000 jobs for rural workers. The income from the sale of the crops is approximately 71 million RMB Yuan and the ethanol production income is approximately 94 million RMB Yuan. The potential savings in CO2 emissions are ca. 423,000tonnes/year and clear economic, social and environmental benefits can be realized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chinese electric power industry has adopted Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) approach in a number of projects to alleviate the pressure of sole state-owned investment. The Chinese government has taken enormous efforts to create an environment to facilitate the application of BOT approach in electric power projects. Moreover, the growing attention on the sustainability issues puts the traditional major source of electricity – thermal power project under more strict scrutiny. As a result, various renewable energy projects, particularly the wind power projects have involved private sector funds. Both thermal power and wind power projects via BOT approach have met with a varying degree of success. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the factors contributing towards the success of both types of BOT power projects. Using an extensive literature survey, this paper identifies 31 success factors under 5 categories for Chinese BOT electric power projects. This is followed by a questionnaire survey to exam relative significance of these factors. The results reveal the different levels of significance of success factors for BOT thermal power projects versus wind power projects. Finally, survey results were analyzed to explore the underlying construction and distributions among the identified success factors. This study provides a valuable reference for all involved parties that are interested in developing BOT electric power projects in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A reliable supply of energy is essential to maintain and to improve human being''s living conditions. Compared to the conventional coal-fired approach, renewable energy (RE) helps to mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions to a large extent. As a newly developed sector with large resource potential and good commercial prospects, China''s wind power industry is exceeding expectations. By 2008, installed capacity of wind power in China totaled over 12GW, making China the fourth largest wind market in the world. However, China has to admit the gap with foreign leading countries, mainly in technical R&D for large-scale wind turbine generation units. This paper attempts to formulate an analytical model for studying and assessing factors that have significant impacts on the local industry. An improved dynamic Diamond Model is developed to help the international community to understand the status quo of the Chinese wind power industry. In order to build a stronger wind power industry, the elements identified in the model need to be strengthened. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the rapid development of the Chinese economy, energy consumption has increased considerably, and this has increased pressure on energy production. On the other hand, this pressure has greatly assisted in the development of the renewable energy in the past two decades. This paper reports the latest developments in the solar thermal utilization in China. A great deal of successful examples of solar thermal utilization are presented. Issues of most concern and interest, which are resisting a further development of solar thermal utilization, have been identified and discussed. A prediction for the prospect of solar energy thermal utilization in China is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper analyzes various methods of disposal of municipal solid waste in China, including refuse incineration, garbage power and landfill technology. Based on the conventional pyrolysis principle, a new apparatus has been developed for waste disposal in China. It is especially useful in China as the waste is not sorted. The experiment shows that the concentration of dioxins meets the emission standard of 0.1 ng-TE/N m3 by controlling the residence time and temperature. The expulsive solid weight is as low as 5–7% of the whole refuse. At the same time, a great deal of fire gas was generated in the treatment process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]