Summary
The paper develops four scenarios: I) full wind curtailment with average coal dispatch, II) no curtailment with average coal dispatch, III) no curtailment with optimal coal dispatch, and IV) partial curtailment with optimal coal dispatch, calculated across 24 hours for a coal plant and wind farm in Harbin. Results indicate Scenario IV delivers the best economic outcome and, together with Scenario III, the best environmental performance, with limited night‑time curtailment improving system benefits without materially worsening emissions relative to full integration cases.
Policy recommendations include permitting a small share of curtailment in law, enhancing coal unit flexibility, advancing economic dispatch, and incentivizing coal plants to provide peak regulation services to accommodate renewables.
Why it matters
Optimizing coal peak regulation alongside priority wind dispatch can reduce curtailment and improve system economics during the transition, complementing market and grid reforms already underway in high‑curtailment regions. Clear criteria for limited curtailment with flexible coal support more renewables today while structural reforms expand long‑term grid flexibility.
Mission relevance
Targeted operational measures that leverage existing coal assets to prioritize renewables align with repowering goals by cutting curtailment, stabilizing the system, and preparing sites for deeper clean conversions over time. This provides a pragmatic bridge while clean flexibility and market mechanisms mature.