A massive smart microgrid project -- the largest of its kind on the user side in east China's Jiangsu Province -- started operation Wednesday, marking a milestone in the region's push toward a greener, more resilient energy system.
Located in the city of Suqian and occupying roughly 3,400 square meters, the microgrid integrates wind, solar, storage and charging in infrastructure into a single, seamless system. It boasts 5.15 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity, a 20-megawatt-hour energy storage facility, and six wind turbines.
The project also features a sprawling charging hub equipped with four "vehicle-to-grid" bidirectional charging piles, six 600-kilowatt liquid-cooled ultra-fast chargers, and 15 500-kilowatt dual-gun fast chargers.
According to the State Grid Suqian Power Supply Company, the ultra-fast chargers can deliver enough power for one kilometer of driving in just one second, without harming battery life, thanks to an intelligent system that automatically adjusts to each vehicle's optimal current.
A microgrid is a localized power network typically composed of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, alongside energy storage systems. These systems can operate independently or in sync with the main grid, providing flexible, reliable and environmentally friendly energy.
"The project pioneers the use of several cutting-edge technologies, including solar tracking panels, micro-wind turbines and photovoltaic glass tiles," said Hou Xiaobing, deputy director of the marketing department at the State Grid Suqian Power Supply Company.
"The solar tracking system employs positioning and astronomical algorithms to maximize sunlight absorption, boosting power generation efficiency by up to 40 percent compared with traditional fixed panels," Hou said.
Hou added that the microgrid achieves near-zero-carbon operation through the exclusive use of its own renewable electricity generated from solar and wind sources. Once connected to a regional virtual power plant, it can leverage big data and AI-driven algorithms to optimize power dispatch at the millisecond level.
According to the State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd., Jiangsu has been actively developing diverse microgrid projects to accelerate the construction of new-generation power systems. Suqian, in particular, is exploring an integrated development model of a microgrid plus virtual power plant, aiming to further strengthen local power supply reliability while advancing the region's low-carbon transformation.
China has channeled substantial investment into microgrids. According to the action plan on accelerating the construction of new power systems, local governments are encouraged to build smart microgrid projects that cater to regional needs. The country's 14th five-year plan for modern energy systems also underscores the importance of microgrid construction.
Editor:Galia
