NDRC and Three Departments Jointly Issue Notice to Advance Grid Construction and High-Power Charging Infrastructure Development

On July 4, the General Office of the National Development and Reform Commission, alongside three collaborating departments, released a directive focused on advancing the planning and development of high-power charging infrastructure. The notice outlines guidelines across nine specific domains, covering areas such as integrated planning, structured infrastructure growth, and enhanced system management.

The directive emphasizes tailoring the deployment of charging stations to regional contexts, prioritizing high-frequency usage settings. Planning should strike a balance between foresight and pragmatism, with design strategies that consider local economic profiles, electric vehicle uptake rates, and the distribution of electrical resources. A national benchmark has been set to surpass 100,000 high-power charging units by the close of 2027, accompanied by ongoing improvements in service delivery and technology deployment.

In terms of grid integration, the notice highlights the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with the corresponding power distribution frameworks. Grid upgrades should be paced moderately ahead of projected demand, with timely interventions where needed. Local administrations are encouraged to facilitate the development of intelligent and coordinated charging stations and to establish responsive interfaces between those facilities and the electrical grid. Where feasible, installations may incorporate solar generation and energy storage systems.

At the July 4 “Energy China—Accelerating Green Energy Transition and Promoting Coordinated Development” forum, Liu Shijin, former Deputy Director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, addressed challenges affecting the new energy sector. These include volatility in supply from high renewable penetration, integration barriers for decentralized energy resources, and the implications of global trade frictions. Liu advocated for direct engagement with these issues through accelerated reforms and innovation, stressing that a lack of progress poses even greater risks.

The document further promotes resource optimization through governmental guidance and invites capable operators to participate in building and managing charging facilities. Priority will be given to high-power stations serving public transit, logistics fleets, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Networks developed by electric vehicle manufacturers are expected to be accessible to all users under standard operational principles.

To reinforce system oversight, operators are instructed to accelerate the deployment of smart operation and maintenance platforms. These systems should capture fault-related data, elevate real-time diagnostics, and support rapid incident response. Facilities must achieve a minimum 98% availability rate and integrate fully with centralized government monitoring systems.
Additionally, the directive calls for increased domestic production of strategic components such as silicon carbide modules and primary control chips. It promotes upgrades across the entire charging ecosystem—from individual parts to system-level integration and end-user services. Research and pilot deployments of megawatt-class single-gun chargers will be pursued to support high-capacity battery applications in sectors including heavy-duty transportation, maritime shipping, and electric aviation.