Could coal-fired power plants with CCS be an effective way for carbon neutrality in China?

The transition toward carbon neutrality in China necessitates integrating more renewable energy sources (RES) into the power grid. However, a high share of RES can destabilize the grid, making it crucial to add clean, flexible power sources, such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and flexible coal power combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS). This study shifted focus from traditional power plants to flexible power solutions, including BESS and CCS, and adopted a macro perspective. An hourly basis simulation model of the power system was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of these flexible power options. The results revealed that BESS is more cost-effective when RES penetration rates are low, whereas CCS becomes more advantageous as RES constitutes a larger portion of the power supply. Combining BESS and CCS can ensure grid stability and maximize RES utilization. Sensitivity analysis indicated the need to control power demand growth to support this transition effectively.