Action Plan for Innovation in Energy Technology Revolution (2016–2030) – What Can We Do

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This post was last edited by Yuanhong07 on April 19, 2016, at 17:16. On April 18, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration recently issued the “Action Plan for Innovation in Energy Technology Revolution (2016–2030)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Plan”), along with the “Roadmap for Key Innovation Actions in the Energy Technology Revolution” (hereinafter referred to as the “Roadmap”). http://finance.ifeng.com/a/20160418/14330206_0.shtml ； What can we do? Those who still persist in the field of natural gas technology and equipment. 【III】Key Tasks 1) Innovation in technologies for the harmless extraction of coal: Accelerate the research, development, and application of key technical equipment for intelligent detection of hidden hazard factors, monitoring and early warning of major disasters, prevention and control of disasters in deep mines, as well as emergency response to major accidents, in order to achieve safe coal mining. Strengthen the ecological and environmental protection in coal development by focusing on the research and development of key technical equipment such as integrated underground mining, processing, and backfilling; green and efficient backfilling mining methods; continuous mining without coal pillars; water-conserving mining techniques; monitoring and control of mining-induced damage; as well as the restoration and reconstruction of mine areas, thereby establishing green mines. Efforts are being made to improve the efficiency and level of intelligence in coal mining. Technologies such as efficient shaft construction and rapid tunneling, intelligent mining faces, high-yield extraction methods for special coal seams, underground coal gasification, and comprehensive utilization of associated resources in coal deposits are being developed. In key coal mining areas, mining faces are largely operated without human intervention, with the mechanization rate of coal mining across the country exceeding 95%. 2) Innovation in technologies for the development of unconventional oil and gas, as well as deep and ultra-deep offshore oil and gas: Conduct in-depth research on the geological theories and exploration techniques related to shale oil and gas, reservoir engineering, horizontal drilling and completion, and fracturing technologies. Independently develop key drilling and completion equipment and materials. Improve the technical system for coalbed methane exploration and development, so as to achieve efficient development of unconventional oil and gas resources such as shale oil and gas and coalbed methane, thereby ensuring a steady increase in production. Break through the fundamental theories and key technologies for the exploration and development of natural gas hydrates, and carry out pilot drilling and production testing. Mastering the key technologies for deep and ultra-deep oil and gas exploration and development, advancing exploration and development into depths exceeding 8,000 meters, establishing a mature technical framework for effective development at depths of 6,000–7,000 meters, and bringing the overall level of exploration and development technologies to international leading standards. Comprehensively improve the technical level of deep-sea oil and gas drilling and production technologies as well as the capability for independent equipment manufacturing, so as to achieve independent development of ultra-deep-water oil and gas fields at 3,000 meters and 4,000 meters depths. 3) Technological innovation for the clean and efficient utilization of coal: Strengthen technological innovation in the classified and quality-specific conversion of coal, with a focus on advanced gasification methods, large-scale coal pyrolysis, the utilization of tar and semi-coke, as well as integrated gasification and pyrolysis and integrated gasification and combustion technologies. Demonstration projects such as gasification capacities of 3,000 tons per day or more, low-rank coal pyrolysis at rates of millions of tons per year, and integrated oil, chemical, and power production should be carried out. Develop new process technologies for producing coal-based products such as clean gases, ultra-clean oils, special oils for aerospace and military use, and key chemicals, and research efficient catalyst systems and advanced reactors. Strengthen the integrated coupling of coal chemical industry with related energy technologies such as thermal power, oil refining, hydrogen production from renewable sources, biomass conversion, and fuel cells, in order to achieve hierarchical utilization of energy and circular utilization of materials. Develop a \"zero-emission\" technology for the full circular utilization of coal chemical industry wastewater, strengthen cost control and resource recycling, and achieve large-scale industrial demonstration. Further improve the performance parameters of conventional coal-fired power plants, actively develop new coal-based power generation technologies, and comprehensively enhance the energy efficiency of coal-fired power generation ； Develop new technologies such as integrated pollutant removal to continuously improve pollution control efficiency and reduce pollution control costs and energy consumption. 4) Innovation in CO2 capture, utilization, and storage technologies: Research on low-energy-consumption, large-scale CO2 capture technologies; research on technologies for utilizing and storing CO2 in enhanced oil recovery, as well as for enhancing coalbed methane recovery and water recovery; research on CO2 mineralization-based power generation and chemical conversion technologies, as well as biological conversion technologies for CO2 utilization. Studies should also be conducted on technologies for mineral transformation, fixation, and utilization of CO2, as well as on safe and reliable CO2 storage, monitoring, and transportation techniques. A demonstration project for a million-ton-level CO2 capture, utilization, and storage system should be established. Full-scale CCUS systems should be widely and routinely applied in sectors such as power generation, coal mining, chemical processing, and mineral processing, thereby ensuring the reliable storage, monitoring, and long-distance safe transportation of CO2. 5) Innovation in advanced nuclear energy technologies: Conduct research on exploration and utilization technologies for deep and unconventional uranium resources, to enable the exploitation of sandstones at depths of up to 1,000 meters through in-situ leaching; carry out research on comprehensive recovery technologies for low-grade uranium resources such as shaly rocks, salt lakes, and seawater. Achieve demonstration applications of autonomous and advanced nuclear fuel elements, advance the irradiation testing and commercial operation of accident-tolerant fuel elements (ATF) and annular fuel elements, and possess internationally leading capabilities in nuclear fuel research, development, and design. Building on the international leadership in third-generation pressurized water reactor technology, efforts are being made to advance the construction of demonstration projects for fast reactors and advanced modular small reactors, thereby achieving significant breakthroughs in the research and development of key technologies, equipment, and materials for next-generation advanced reactor types such as ultra-high temperature gas-cooled reactors and molten salt reactors. Conduct experimental research on the burning plasma in fusion reactors, control technologies, and the design of the fusion demonstration reactor DEMO. 6) Technological innovation in spent fuel reprocessing and the safe management of high-level radioactive waste: Advance the construction of large-scale commercial aqueous reprocessing plants, and strengthen research and development in dry reprocessing for advanced fuel cycles. Carry out the construction of underground laboratories for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste, as well as research on geological disposal and related safety technologies, in order to improve the theoretical and technical frameworks for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Efforts should be made to intensify research and development in areas such as the treatment of high-level liquid waste, high-level graphite, alpha-emitting waste, and the vitrification of high-level waste using cold crucible technology, with the goal of bringing China’s radioactive waste treatment capabilities to an advanced level. Research on radioactive waste transmutation technologies such as the total quantity control of long-lived minor actinides; master the design of subcritical systems and the manufacturing techniques for key equipment; and construct an engineering experimental facility for exogenous subcritical systems. 7) Innovation in efficient solar energy utilization technologies: Conduct in-depth research on the key technologies for the industrialization of more efficient and lower-cost crystalline silicon solar cells, and develop essential supporting materials. Research on the industrialization technologies, processes, and equipment for thin-film solar cells such as cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, and silicon films, in order to significantly improve cell efficiency and achieve domestic production of key raw materials. Explore and research new types of high-efficiency solar cells, and carry out the production and application demonstration of battery modules. Master high-parameter solar thermal power generation technology, fully promote its industrial application, carry out demonstrations of large-scale solar thermal combined heat and power systems, and achieve comprehensive hierarchical utilization of solar energy. A breakthrough was achieved in the technology for producing clean fuels through solar thermochemistry, resulting in the development of a continuously operating prototype. Research on intelligent large-scale photovoltaic power plants, distributed photovoltaics and microgrid applications, as well as key technologies for large-scale solar thermal power plants; carry out demonstrations of large-scale wind-solar-thermal hybrid power plants. 8) Innovation in large-scale wind power technologies: Research on integrated technologies for large-scale wind power systems suitable for heights of 200–300 meters; conduct research on key technologies for large-scale high-altitude wind turbines; develop wind turbine blades measuring 100 meters or more in length; and facilitate the widespread application of wind power generation at altitudes of 200–300 meters. Conduct in-depth research on the characteristics of typical offshore wind resources and methods for harnessing wind energy, and develop an independent offshore wind resource assessment system. Break through the key technologies related to the design and construction of offshore wind farms; develop 10MW-class and larger offshore wind turbines, as well as key components such as bearings, control systems, converters, and blades with independent intellectual property rights. Develop a operation-control and grid-connection system for offshore wind farm clusters based on big data and cloud computing. Ensure the harmless treatment and recycling of materials from decommissioned wind turbines, thereby facilitating the efficient, large-scale, and sustainable development and utilization of offshore wind resources. 9) Innovation in hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies: Research on hydrogen production technologies based on renewable energy and advanced nuclear energy; next-generation coal catalytic gasification for hydrogen production, as well as methane reforming/partial oxidation technologies for hydrogen production; distributed hydrogen production technologies; and hydrogen purification technologies. Develop key materials, technologies, and equipment for hydrogen storage and transportation. Aim to achieve an integrated system for large-scale, low-cost hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and application. Additionally, standardize and promote the use of on-site hydrogen storage and hydrogen production models at hydrogen refueling stations. Research on hydrogen/air polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology and methanol/air polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (MFC) technology, aiming to meet the critical demand for new energy power sources, as well as to facilitate the demonstration, operation, and widespread application of PEMFC-powered electric vehicles and MFC range-extended electric vehicles. Research on distributed power generation technology using fuel cells, to achieve demonstration applications and promote its widespread use. 10) Innovation in technologies for the utilization of biomass, marine resources, and geothermal energy: Breakthroughs in advanced biomass energy and chemical technologies; implementation of large-scale industrial demonstrations for biojet fuel (including military-grade), cellulosic ethanol, and green biorefining. Research on new varieties of high-efficiency energy plants; development of eco-energy farms; and establishment of an advanced bioenergy and chemical industry chain along with a sustainable supply system for biomass raw materials. Strengthen the development and utilization of ocean energy, develop high-efficiency devices for generating power from wave energy, tidal energy, and temperature (salinity) gradient energy, build megawatt-scale demonstration power plants, and establish a complete industrial chain for ocean energy utilization. Strengthen the development and utilization of geothermal energy, research and develop technologies for upgrading hydrothermal geothermal systems and increasing production, overcome the key technical challenges related to dry hot rock exploitation, and build demonstration projects for megawatt-scale dry hot rock power generation and comprehensive hierarchical utilization of geothermal energy. 11) Innovation in high-efficiency gas turbine technology: In-depth research is conducted on advanced materials for gas turbines, as well as key technologies such as intelligent manufacturing, unit design, and efficient clean combustion. Tests on complete gas turbine units are carried out to overcome bottlenecks in the development of this industry, including those related to superalloy turbine blades and design techniques. Advanced micro-sized gas turbines, medium-sized gas turbines for industrial use, and heavy-duty gas turbines are developed independently, thereby achieving full autonomy in the areas of key materials and components, testing, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of gas turbines. 12) Innovation in advanced energy storage technologies: Research high-temperature heat storage technologies for the efficient utilization of solar thermal energy, as well as large-capacity heat (cold) storage technologies for distributed energy systems. Study physical energy storage technologies aimed at improving grid stability and efficiency as well as for regional energy supply applications. Explore energy storage technologies suitable for integrating renewable energy sources, distributed and microgrids, and electric vehicles. Master the key core technologies in all aspects of energy storage technology, carry out demonstration tests, bring the overall technology to an internationally leading level, and drive the development of international energy storage technologies and industries. Actively explore and research energy storage technologies with high energy storage density and low thermal insulation costs, new-concept energy storage technologies (liquid batteries, magnesium-based batteries, etc.), as well as novel multifunctional hybrid energy storage technologies based on superconducting magnets and electrochemistry, striving to achieve major breakthroughs. 13) Innovation in key technologies for modern power grids: Mastering flexible HVDC transmission and distribution technologies, as well as technologies related to new types of high-capacity, high-voltage power electronic components ； Conduct research, testing, and demonstration on DC grid technologies and power transmission technologies for future grids ； Break through the key technologies for wireless charging of electric vehicles and high-voltage submarine power cables, and promote their application ； Study the key technologies and processes for components of energy equipment such as high-temperature superconducting materials. Master low-cost, quantum-level communication security engineering application technologies suitable for the requirements of power grid operation, to enable large-scale deployment. Study intelligent control technologies for modern power grids, and carry out research and demonstration on key technologies for integrating large-scale renewable energy sources and distributed generation systems into the grid ； Breakthrough in global coordination and control technologies for power systems, with demonstration applications ； Research on simulation techniques for modern complex large power grids under the conditions of energy big data ； Fully utilize the technologies for coordinating microgrids/local grids with the main grid, as well as the intelligent control technologies for coordinating sources, grids, and loads. 14) Technological innovation in the energy Internet: The energy Internet represents a new business model for the development of the energy industry, characterized by the deep integration of the Internet with energy production, transmission, storage, consumption, and energy markets. Promote innovation in intelligent energy production technologies, with a focus on researching intelligent production of renewable and fossil fuels, as well as intelligent collaborative production involving multiple energy sources. We will strengthen innovation in intelligent energy transmission technologies, focusing on research into technologies such as multi-energy coordinated integrated energy networks and the collaborative control of smart networks, as well as core equipment like energy routers and energy switches. Promote innovation in technologies for intelligent energy consumption, with a focus on technologies and core equipment such as intelligent energy-using terminals, intelligent monitoring, and regulation. Promote innovation in smart energy management and supervision methods, with a focus on researching precise demand management technologies for smart energy based on energy big data, as well as supervision technologies for smart energy based on the energy internet. Strengthen innovation in the comprehensive integration technologies of the energy internet, focusing on research in areas such as the efficient integration and intelligent control of information systems and physical systems, the integration and secure sharing of energy big data, the application and management of energy storage and electric vehicles, as well as demand-side response. This will help to develop a comprehensive set of technologies and standards, thereby leading global innovation in energy internet technologies. 15) Technological innovation for energy conservation and energy efficiency improvement: Strengthen technological innovation in energy conservation for modern industry, focusing on research into high-efficiency industrial boilers and furnaces, new types of energy-saving motors, advanced methods for recycling industrial waste energy, as well as energy-saving technologies for industrial systems based on advanced information technology, and carry out engineering demonstrations. Advance technological innovations in building energy conservation, such as building industrialization and prefabricated housing, as well as new technologies for energy-efficient and intelligent home appliances, cooling systems, lighting, and office equipment. Promote the innovation of advanced energy-saving technologies such as efficient and energy-saving transportation vehicles, brake energy recovery systems, ship propulsion systems, digital shore power systems, and transportation systems based on advanced information technology. It strengthens technological innovations in system energy conservation through global optimization measures such as hierarchical utilization of energy, and carries out research and demonstrations on comprehensive energy utilization technologies such as the replacement of coal with other fuels, thereby providing strong support for China to achieve its energy conservation and emission reduction goals.