Russia, China discuss increasing electricity supplies amid growing demand in Far East

The Russian Ministry of Energy has said that Russia and China are exploring the potential for boosting electricity supplies to meet the rising consumption in the Far East.

This development emerged from a recent meeting of the Russian-Chinese working group focused on cooperation in the electric power and renewable energy sectors, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

During the meeting, the participants addressed various issues, including electricity trade and preparations for the upcoming Russian-Chinese intergovernmental commission. They also discussed the mutual recognition of certification systems for the origin of electricity, specifically "green" certificates.

"Organizing the issuance and application of green certificates for electricity origin in both Russia and China will promote the mutual recognition of electricity certification systems between our countries," stated the Russian Ministry of Energy.

At the end of 2023, Inter RAO, Russia's sole electricity export-import operator, reduced its electricity exports to China to 3.1 billion kWh, down from a record 4.6 billion kWh the previous year. This reduction was attributed to restrictions imposed by the System Operator in the latter half of the year due to low water levels in the Far East, high accident rates of generating equipment, and increased power consumption within the energy system.

Currently, electricity exports to China are still subject to limitations. Inter RAO has significantly restricted electricity exports to China via the Amurskaya-Heihe 500 kV overhead line, reducing the target from 600 MW. Alexandra Panina, a member of Inter RAO's Management Board, indicated that electricity exports to China might further decrease to 1 billion kWh in 2024.