The People's Republic of China's experience in ensuring energy security through the development of coal-fired thermal power generation

This article analyzes the People's Republic of China's experience in ensuring energy security through the development of coal-fired thermal power generation. It is shown that, despite the active expansion of renewable energy and nuclear power capacities, coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) retain a dominant role in China's energy balance, accounting for over 60% of electricity generation. The article examines the institutional and technological factors contributing to the sustainability of the Chinese model, including the large-scale construction of high-capacity units, the introduction of ultra-supercritical (USC) and advanced USC technologies, the localization of power equipment production, and improved fuel efficiency and generation flexibility. Particular attention is paid to the parameters of modern coal-fired power units (25–28 MPa, 600–620°C), the development of the 700°C class, reduction in specific fuel consumption, and the achievement of ultra-low emissions. The significance of the Chinese experience for the Russian Federation is substantiated in the context of increasing load on the power grid, depreciation of capacity, and an emerging energy deficit.