Developing super smart grids in China: Perspective of socio-technical systems transition

Abstract

This chapter adopts the framework of socio-technical systems transition to discuss the development of smart grid (SG) in China. Multi-level perspective (MLP) analysis, namely landscape, regime, and niches, is presented to set the institutional background of China’s power sector. Then, a scenario of power supply and demand is compiled, and its main features are elaborated to justify the necessity of developing SGs. The overall transition pathways of China’s power sector are drafted, and then, the road map for developing SGs in China is proposed. Key policy implications are as follows: first, working out clear national strategy and road map for SG development and carrying out integrated translation research and strong front-end support; second, restructuring power sector in parallel with SG development; and third, reforming pricing mechanism and empowering the customers with rights to choose service/enter power market.