The so-called negative electricity price refers to the phenomenon that the electricity price is lower than zero in the electricity market. This situation usually occurs when the supply of electricity exceeds demand, that is to say, in order to sell the excess electricity, the power company not only does not charge, but also pays the users.
The imbalance between power supply and demand leads to negative electricity price.
Power supply is realized through the spot market of electricity. The spot market of electricity refers to the market where electricity supply and demand subjects buy and sell electricity through trading platforms, and its price is determined by the relationship between market supply and demand.
The negative electricity price comes from the imbalance between power supply and demand. When the supply exceeds the demand, the electricity market price will fall, and even negative electricity price may appear.
The emergence of negative electricity price is mainly due to the imbalance between supply and demand caused by the growth of new energy generation and the decline of electricity demand. As we all know, wind power, photovoltaic and other new energy sources have the advantages of being clean, low-carbon and renewable, but there is also a disadvantage, that is, the output is unstable. New energy power generation is greatly influenced by weather, season and other factors. Sometimes when it's windy and sunny, the power generation is high. Sometimes the wind and rain are heavy and the power generation is very low. Moreover, new energy power generation cannot be adjusted at any time and cannot be stored.
The demand for electricity is greatly influenced by the economy, holidays and other factors, and sometimes the electricity consumption of industry and commerce and residents is very high; Sometimes it is very low. Moreover, the demand for electricity cannot be adjusted at any time and cannot be stored.
Therefore, when the output of new energy is higher than the demand for electricity, there will be an oversupply situation. At this time, according to the normal market rules, power generation enterprises will lower their quotations and attract more users to buy their own electricity. But what if the price drops to zero? That can only further reduce the quotation, even negative quotation.
With the gradual popularization of new energy, a large number of solar energy and wind energy are connected to the power system one after another, which also aggravates the imbalance between power supply and demand.
The reasons for negative electricity prices may include the following:
Weather change: Under the weather conditions of centralized supply of renewable energy such as wind energy and solar energy, it may lead to excessive power supply.
Unbalanced supply and demand: when the actual electricity consumption is lower than expected, or the power grid capacity is excessive, the power supplier may have an oversupply.
Market mechanism: Some electricity markets adopt bidding mechanism, and some end in negative numbers, which may also lead to negative electricity prices.
In the practice of China's electricity spot market, negative electricity prices often occur. For example, in Shandong, the negative electricity price of 40 yuan /MWh first appeared at 20191213. On April 3, 2020 13, the price of -20 yuan /MWh appeared again; On April 17, the price of -0.0002 yuan /MWh appeared for five consecutive hours.
In fact, the phenomenon of negative electricity price is also very common abroad. Among them, Germany has been in a negative electricity price state for 128 hours in the first quarter of 20021year. In April of 20021year, the negative electricity price in Germany and other countries was further increased due to new energy power generation and other factors. On May 24th, the lowest electricity price in Germany fell to nearly -80 euros /MWh.
In April this year, from 19 to 13, EPEXSpot, Amsterdam, the Netherlands? The price of the SE exchange dropped to -739.96 Euro /MWh, and the weighted average price of the SE exchange was negative from 10 to 17.
In addition, Austria, France and Switzerland introduced negative electricity prices in 2008, 20 10 and 20 13 respectively.
Why do power generation companies do this?
Stopping or reducing power generation will affect the life and performance of equipment;
Stopping or reducing power generation will violate the contract or policy and may face fines or cancellation of subsidies;
Stopping or reducing power generation will affect its competitiveness and credibility in the market;
Therefore, they would rather pay their own electricity bills than stop or reduce power generation.
The emergence of negative electricity price means that the use efficiency of clean energy is improving, and it also has a positive impact on promoting the promotion and utilization of renewable energy. But it also reminds us that the power market needs reasonable planning and management in the future development to avoid unnecessary waste and loss.