22
L. Ma et al.
to optimize the integration and scheduling among different links of the power system
with the aid of information and communication technology (Wang 2012). The subsequent emergence of “energy Internet” enlarged the scope of focus (Zeng et al. 2016).
Though smart grid remained the centerpiece of the notion, it built stronger links
among energy networks such as heat, fuel and traffic in terms of improved infrastructure integration. However, the energy Internet is mainly about open sharing among
various energy networks, the infrastructure of each energy network is still relatively
isolated. The notion of “smart energy system” emerged in recent years laid great stress
on holistic optimization and cross-sectoral integration (Lund et al. 2017). The notion
covers not only all energy networks, but also energy end users, including industry,
building, traffic, etc. In terms of infrastructure, it highlights the integrated construction and operation of power grid, heating network and fuel network in the holistic
perspective of the best match of all energy sources and end users, and strengthened
system flexibility through a variety of energy storage modes. Given the above analysis, it’s clear that the concept of smart energy system is more aligned with the future
path of energy and infrastructure coordination, and smart grid and energy Internet
can be viewed as the early stage of the path.
In light of China’s unique energy system, the future of smart energy system must
possess its own characteristics. According to literature review and reflections on
China’s reality, smart energy system in the country can be described as “a safe,
flexible, economical, green, shared and coordinated sustainable energy system that
enables the synergy of multiple energy forms through the holistic integration of
energy supply and such other sectors of industry, building, traffic. It’s grounded on the
principle of cross-sectoral integration and systematic optimization, supported by the
three pillars of smart grid, smart heating network and smart fuel networks, combined
with flexible energy storage”. With this in mind, the core of energy and infrastructure coordination is still the integrated construction and operation of the three core
networks of smart grid, smart heating network and smart fuel network (see Fig. 1.10).
All kinds of energy supply capacity (Fig. 1.10 above), energy end consumption and
distributed energy (Fig. 1.10 below) should build energy hubs primarily for system
integration, and achieve the optimal match of supply and demand through the three
networks. As the gateway connecting energy production and consumption with the
three energy networks, the energy hub guides and assist regional energy production to
be fed into the grid, and provides smart energy services for users. Meanwhile, the hub
seeks to facilitate multi-energy coordination and optimization of the overall system
in a broader scope through the information and energy connectivity among varied
hubs. In this model, flexibility of the overall energy system is critical, which brings
the need for the flexible construction of varied energy storage facilities (lower right
corner of Fig. 1.10). However, these involve the cooperation and coordination among
different sectors and industries, and require the removal of barriers between sectors
and industries. Thus, higher requirements are put forward for China’s governance
system and market mechanism.
L. Ma et al.
to optimize the integration and scheduling among different links of the power system
with the aid of information and communication technology (Wang 2012). The subsequent emergence of “energy Internet” enlarged the scope of focus (Zeng et al. 2016).
Though smart grid remained the centerpiece of the notion, it built stronger links
among energy networks such as heat, fuel and traffic in terms of improved infrastructure integration. However, the energy Internet is mainly about open sharing among
various energy networks, the infrastructure of each energy network is still relatively
isolated. The notion of “smart energy system” emerged in recent years laid great stress
on holistic optimization and cross-sectoral integration (Lund et al. 2017). The notion
covers not only all energy networks, but also energy end users, including industry,
building, traffic, etc. In terms of infrastructure, it highlights the integrated construction and operation of power grid, heating network and fuel network in the holistic
perspective of the best match of all energy sources and end users, and strengthened
system flexibility through a variety of energy storage modes. Given the above analysis, it’s clear that the concept of smart energy system is more aligned with the future
path of energy and infrastructure coordination, and smart grid and energy Internet
can be viewed as the early stage of the path.
In light of China’s unique energy system, the future of smart energy system must
possess its own characteristics. According to literature review and reflections on
China’s reality, smart energy system in the country can be described as “a safe,
flexible, economical, green, shared and coordinated sustainable energy system that
enables the synergy of multiple energy forms through the holistic integration of
energy supply and such other sectors of industry, building, traffic. It’s grounded on the
principle of cross-sectoral integration and systematic optimization, supported by the
three pillars of smart grid, smart heating network and smart fuel networks, combined
with flexible energy storage”. With this in mind, the core of energy and infrastructure coordination is still the integrated construction and operation of the three core
networks of smart grid, smart heating network and smart fuel network (see Fig. 1.10).
All kinds of energy supply capacity (Fig. 1.10 above), energy end consumption and
distributed energy (Fig. 1.10 below) should build energy hubs primarily for system
integration, and achieve the optimal match of supply and demand through the three
networks. As the gateway connecting energy production and consumption with the
three energy networks, the energy hub guides and assist regional energy production to
be fed into the grid, and provides smart energy services for users. Meanwhile, the hub
seeks to facilitate multi-energy coordination and optimization of the overall system
in a broader scope through the information and energy connectivity among varied
hubs. In this model, flexibility of the overall energy system is critical, which brings
the need for the flexible construction of varied energy storage facilities (lower right
corner of Fig. 1.10). However, these involve the cooperation and coordination among
different sectors and industries, and require the removal of barriers between sectors
and industries. Thus, higher requirements are put forward for China’s governance
system and market mechanism.