Electricity Market Tracker (EMT) is a multidimensional open data and model platform that supports in-depth research on China’s electricity market and policies. EMT tracks and analyzes the rapidly evolving power sector of China, offering perspectives and insights into the reform of power trading mechanisms. Well-designed trading mechanisms can support the construction of a reliable, efficient, clean, low-carbon, flexible, and intelligent power system.

Our Research

Innovative, independent, interdisciplinary, and far-reaching exploration of the electricity market.

01

Spot Markets

Real-Time & Near-Real-Time Markets

The spot market aims to alleviate supply-side pressure, promote the integration of renewable energy, and achieve flexible and efficient allocation of energy resources, but its potential has yet to be fully developed.

02

Forward Contracts

Long-Term Markets & Contracts

Medium and long-term (MLT) contracts are the most mature electricity market in China. The MLT market provides hedging and long-term guarantees and needs to develop synergies with spot markets to advance power sector transformation.

03

Resource Adequacy

Sufficient Supply To Meet Demand

Resource adequacy refers to the degree to which the power system has sufficient capacity to continuously meet consumers’ electricity demands. It is an essential component in ensuring the stability and reliability of a new type of power system.

Methodology

EMT analysis is based on open-source data and models related to China’s electricity market, policies, and power system. Our team creates modeling and simulation tools for China’s new power system. We monitor the latest developments in the power sector and offer open access to datasets and models that explore electricity market developments.

News

Learn about our latest scientific breakthroughs, media coverage, and team updates.

Chi Gao (RAP), September 28, 2025

What Strategies Are Used to Incentivize Virtual Power Plants to Ensure Grid Reliability?

The paper analyzes how California activates virtual power plants’ capacity value through integrated resource planning, capacity payments, and performance-based incentives, while promoting flexible grid-connection policies…

Jinglin Duan, Max Dupuy (RAP), January 27, 2025

From Constraints to Opportunities: Balancing Market Regulation and Price Liberalization

Balancing regulation and price liberalization in China’s spot electricity markets requires gradually relaxing price floors and ceilings while strengthening market power oversight, so that prices…

Chi Gao (RAP), September 1, 2024

How Should the Capacity Compensation Mechanism Be Designed to Be Truly “Inclusive”? (Taking Demand-Side Resources as an Example)

Key features of an inclusive capacity compensation mechanism include basing procurement on resource adequacy planning, enabling fair competition for all resources including demand-side, establishing consistent…