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As Renewable Power Goes Unused, China to Expand Direct Plant-User Model

Published: Apr. 28, 2026  12:40 p.m.  GMT+8
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A green power direct connection project in Qinghai province on Feb. 4. Photo: IC Photo
A green power direct connection project in Qinghai province on Feb. 4. Photo: IC Photo

China is preparing to release a new policy that will allow renewable energy plants to supply green electricity directly to multiple users through dedicated lines, expanding a previous framework limited to single buyers.

The National Energy Administration (NEA) announced the upcoming regulatory shift at a press conference on Monday, as China’s renewable capacity has expanded faster than the grid’s ability to absorb it, leading to widespread waste. The expanded direct-connection model aims to ease pressure on the grid by enabling greater local consumption of renewable power in industrial parks and energy-intensive data centers.

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  • China’s NEA to expand direct green power supply policy, allowing renewables to connect multiple users via dedicated lines, up from single buyers in May 2025 guidelines.
  • 24 provinces support it; 99 projects approved at 34.1 million kW; renewables hit 2.4 billion kW (60%+ total) by March end, with rising curtailment (wind 8.5%, solar 9.2% in early 2026).
  • Targets grid relief, industrial parks, data centers; severe waste in western regions like Gansu (17.5% solar).
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