Exploring Pathways for Digital Technologies to Advance Sichuan Province's Modern Energy System Towards Achieving Dual Carbon Goals

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global energy transformation and the deepening advancement of the dual carbon goals, digital technologies have emerged as a pivotal force driving the energy system towards cleaner and smarter transformation. This paper systematically elucidates the defining characteristics of a modern energy system – namely, ‘secure and efficient, clean and low-carbon, diverse and synergistic, intelligent and inclusive’ – based on the current development status of Sichuan Province's modern energy system. It further delves into the intrinsic mechanisms through which digital technologies empower the low-carbon transition of modern energy systems. Research findings indicate that digital technologies exert synergistic effects across the supply, demand, and management sides of the energy system through three mechanisms: optimising energy structures, fostering technological convergence and innovation, and driving industrial integration and upgrading. This propels the energy system from a physics-dominated paradigm towards information-physical synergy, and from chain-based innovation towards networked symbiosis. Building upon this foundation, the paper constructs an implementation pathway centred on ‘optimising smart energy systems, deepening technological convergence applications, and establishing a modern industrial digital ecosystem.’ Drawing upon Chengdu's practical experience in virtual power plants, smart energy management, and data platform development, it summarizes transformation insights driven by the synergistic advancement of ‘technology-institutional-market’ dimensions. This research not only provides theoretical foundations and practical references for accelerating modern energy system development and achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals in Sichuan Province, but also offers a systematic framework for other regions across China to advance the digitalisation of modern energy systems alongside coordinated green and low-carbon development.