Heat waves have increased in intensity, frequency and duration in China, with power consumption in several localities hitting record highs time and again. In the meantime, parts of central and southwest China have been hit by a drought. Reduced rainfall in the area has threatened the hydroelectric power generation in Sichuan province, which accounts for the majority of the province's generation mix, resulting in severe power shortages in some areas. Local governments have been paying high attention to energy supply stability. Relevant government departments have taken a variety of measures to ensure an adequate supply of power amid the growing demand for electricity, covering both the supply and demand sides and coordinating inter-provincial mutual aid, demonstrating the significance of going all out to safeguard energy security.

Amid the push to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, China is confronted with the dual challenge of advancing its transition toward low-carbon energy options while guaranteeing a secure, reliable and stable supply of energy.

Specifically, against the backdrop of the low-carbon transition, the short-term challenges to China's energy security greatly differ from the medium- and long-term ones. Thus, a deep understanding of the main problems in different phases is essential to coming up with corresponding solutions to tackle the problems one by one.