Energy Transition Driven by the Energy Internet

Abstract

To achieve carbon neutrality, a country must first phase out fossil fuels and increase the percentage of renewable energy in its energy systems, including electric power, heating, and transportation systems. Wind and solar power will be the primary energy sources of the future. To solve the volatility of wind and solar power, grids which integrate a high proportion of renewable energy sources must provide sufficient flexibility to ensure energy security. The Energy Internet is a new energy utilization system which offers greater flexibility and increases the share of energy generated from renewable sources. The development of the Energy Internet has significant implications for carbon neutrality and energy transition. By using it wisely, the entire society, including construction, mining, manufacturing and transportation sectors, will be able to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources. China has rolled out policies to support the development the Energy Internet, and launched a wide range of Energy Internet pilot projects.

Jijiang He is the Director of Energy Policy Research Office, Energy Internet Research Institute, Tsinghua University. He’s research interests include Energy Internet and energy policy. Yu Wang is a lecturer at the Institute for Energy, Environment, and Economy, Tsinghua University. Wang’s research interests include low-carbon policy. Wenying Chen is a professor at the Institute for Energy, Environment, and Economy, Tsinghua University. Wang’s research interests include low carbon policy.