Current status of distributed energy system in China

Due to its promising benefits in energy and environment, distributed energy system (DES) has increasingly attracted extensive attention worldwide. The application of DES has been increased rapidly in recent years with the supportive government policies and financial incentives. Therefore, it is necessary to systematically summarize and analyze the development status of DES in China. This paper not only presents researches, applications and policies, but provides some relevant suggestion and prospects on DES of China. DES especially the hybrid energy system that gas-fired combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) with renewable energy (solar and wind) will become the mainstream of future energy supply technologies in China. The paper will be helpful for international stakeholders in energy field to have better understanding on the progress of DES in China, which will benefit them in two aspects: one is that the Chinese situation will be a reference for their own countries or regions to develop energy policy and technology regarding DES, another is that they may be helped to find opportunities in Chinese market, while to contribute to Chinese DES development.