China's Ocean Energy Ambitions: A New Era for Integrated Power Generation

Strategic Insights -

China's first combined tidal and solar power station has started feeding electricity to the grid, marking an important step forward for integrated ocean energy. This move comes as the global energy transition gains momentum, with the EU, US, Australia, and China implementing policy frameworks to promote ocean energy development. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that ocean energy generation capacity could reach 3 GW in the next five years, 70 GW in 2030, and 350 GW in 2050, equivalent to over 100 Three Gorges Dams.

Key Takeaways:

  • China's tidal barrages have been in commercial use for decades, with over 100 small-scale installations built since the 1950s. However, only two are still operational, with the Jiangxia Experimental Tidal Power Station being the world's fourth largest, with a 4.1 MW capacity.
  • Tidal stream generation is in the early stages of commercialization, with China ranked second globally for installed tidal stream generation behind the UK. The country has a natural advantage in tidal stream potential, with 40% of the national total found in the province of Zhejiang.
  • Wave power installations are undergoing sea trials, but significant investment is still required to scale up devices and reduce costs. China's geographical factors and monsoons make Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Fujian particularly suitable for wave power, but intensity is relatively low.
  • Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) harnesses the temperature difference between the sun-warmed surface and colder deeper waters. This technique has more potential in Chinese waters than any other, with developing 1% of the potential (about 360 GW) generating more power than all of China's PV solar installations.
  • Wu Lixin, head of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, calls for mid- and long-term development plans, regulation, and funding to accelerate growth in ocean energy.
  • The Ministry of Natural Resources National Ocean Technology Centre estimates that China had 7.4 MW of ocean-based generating capacity by the end of 2018, producing 234 GW hours of electricity.

Statistics:

  • China's first combined tidal and solar power station is expected to generate electricity for 30,000 homes.
  • IRENA estimates that ocean energy generation capacity could reach 3 GW in the next five years, 70 GW in 2030, and 350 GW in 2050.
  • The Jiangxia Experimental Tidal Power Station has a 4.1 MW capacity, making it the world's fourth largest tidal power station.
  • China has 40% of its national tidal stream potential in the province of Zhejiang.
  • Zhejiang province has 13.95 GW of tidal energy generation potential in its waters.
  • Developing 1% of the potential (about 360 GW) for OTEC systems would generate more power than all of China's PV solar installations.

Sources:

  • "China starts up its first combined tidal and solar power station" (2022)
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) (2022)
  • Ministry of Natural Resources National Ocean Technology Centre (2019)
  • Wu Lixin, head of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Interview)