Energy Internet Nine Vertical and Nine Horizontal Strategies

The "Nine Vertical and Nine Horizontal" strategy represents the global Energy Internet backbone grid, designed to interconnect 18 major synchronous power grids worldwide, enabling large-scale renewable energy integration and cross-continental electricity transmission.

Concept and Purpose

The Energy Internet (EI) is a modern electricity system that integrates renewable energy sources, storage devices, electric vehicles, and smart grids into a globally interconnected network. It enables bidirectional flows of energy, information, and money, allowing energy producers and consumers to interact dynamically, similar to the information Internet . The "Nine Vertical and Nine Horizontal" strategy is the backbone of this global network, forming 18 major synchronous power grids that span continents, facilitating efficient energy sharing and low-carbon transitions .

Structure of the Backbone Grid

• Nine Horizontal Lines: These are east-west transmission corridors connecting major regions across continents, designed to balance energy supply and demand over long distances.
• Nine Vertical Lines: These are north-south corridors that link regions with complementary energy resources, such as solar-rich southern areas with industrial northern regions . By 2035, five horizontal and five vertical interconnection channels are planned to be operational, with Asia, Europe, and Africa leading cross-continental integration .

Investment and Development

The total estimated investment for the global Energy Internet from 2018 to 2050 is $38 trillion, with $27 trillion allocated to power sources and $11 trillion to power grids. The backbone grid alone will add 177,000 kilometers of transmission lines, requiring a cumulative investment of $390 billion . The construction is planned in three stages, gradually creating an "energy artery" connecting five continents .

Technological and Operational Features

• Integration of Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, and other renewable sources are incorporated into the grid, addressing intermittency through energy storage and smart dispatch systems .
• Plug-and-Play Mechanisms: Distributed energy resources can connect seamlessly, enabling flexible energy sharing .
• Smart Energy Management: Advanced ICT and solid-state transformers act as "energy routers," optimizing energy flow and enabling real-time monitoring .
• Global Cooperation: The system is designed for joint construction and mutual benefits, promoting international collaboration in energy infrastructure .

Strategic Implications

The "Nine Vertical and Nine Horizontal" strategy supports:

• Global Low-Carbon Transition: By prioritizing renewable energy integration, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels .
• Energy Security and Reliability: Cross-continental interconnections mitigate regional shortages and stabilize supply .
• Economic and Technological Leadership: Countries participating in the backbone grid gain strategic advantages in energy technology and infrastructure . In summary, the "Nine Vertical and Nine Horizontal" Energy Internet strategy is a long-term blueprint for a globally interconnected, renewable-dominant electricity system, combining technological innovation, massive infrastructure investment, and international cooperation to meet future energy demands sustainably .