Carbon emission analysis during the transformation of hydropower dominated grid for the carbon neutrality

Driven by the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, Sichuan Province, with its abundant hydropower and renewable energy resources, possesses the feasibility to pioneer in constructing a provincial-level carbon-neutral power system in China. However, current grid planning lacks sufficient consideration for carbon emission related goals and constraints. To investigate the carbon emission evolution path of Sichuan Power Grid under the carbon neutrality goal, firstly, the distribution and development status of clean energy sources in Sichuan are clarified in this paper, and the low-carbon technology combination for Sichuan Power Grid's transition is determined. Then, load forecasting and other relevant factors are also combined to form boundary conditions for planning. Based on this, power source and grid planning research are carried out, exploring the two-stage evolutionary trajectory—transition period and formation period. Finally, employing the carbon emission flow theory, the carbon emissions at each phase are analysed, depicting the progressive realization of carbon neutrality in Sichuan Power Grid from the perspective of carbon emission flow.