Jing Chen provides analysis and recommendations of energy policy best practices as part of RAP's China team. Her research and outreach tailors international perspectives to the context of the clean energy transition in China, with a focus on energy market design.
Chen joined RAP in 2023 after completing her master's in civil and environmental engineering, with a concentration in atmosphere and energy. During her graduate studies, she acquired extensive knowledge of quantitative methods to solve real-world problems, including data analysis, energy system optimization and economic modeling. As part of a strategic economic project exploring electricity markets, Jingying assumed a leadership role, overseeing a simulated day-ahead energy market. She orchestrated key decisions to maximize profit, strategically selling energy, trading REC and forward contracts.
Jingying Chen earned a master’s degree from Stanford University. Before her graduate studies, Chen obtained her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, with a minor in climate change studies, from the University of California, San Diego. There she studied the underlying physics of renewable energy and projection methods.
In addition to English, Jingying is fluent in Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese and is able to read and write in Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
How Jingying “Jing” Chen is Energizing Change
纳入建筑供热，让虚拟电厂“热”起来
随着我国能源转型的深入，虚拟电厂（VPP）已成为提升电力系统灵活性、促进可再生能源消纳的关键技术。然而，在当前的实践中，建筑供热这一具备巨大潜力的灵活性资源尚未获得深入开发。随着分布式供热系统的电气化，热泵及配套蓄热设施正展现出从传统“被动负荷”向“柔性电力资源”转变的巨大潜力。 本文探讨了将建筑供热纳入虚拟电厂的路径与价值。文章提出，区域供热系统可单独参与电力市场，或与其他建筑负荷和分布式能源组成规模化的灵活资源池。这种多能互补的模式不仅能显著提升可再生能源的就地消纳水平，提升电力系统整体灵活性与运行效率，还能为供热企业创造调频、削峰填谷等辅助服务收益，有效降低运行支出。 文章分析了热泵通过虚拟电厂参与电网调度的三种国际实践模式：零售电价响应、需求响应调度及直接参与电力批发市场。基于这些实践经验并针对当前的挑战，本文探讨了一个核心问题：政策制定者该如何推动建筑供热从单纯的“用电终端”转变为“消费调节双向资源”？ 由零碳园区引领：鼓励分布式供热站和零碳园区率先开展虚拟电厂实践。 建立标准体系：制定标准化的灵活性测算与验证方法，增强电网对分布式资源的信任。 完善补偿机制：通过优化分时电价信号和健全市场准入，公平补偿虚拟电厂在缓解电网拥塞和提供容量支撑方面的多重价值。 通过政策引导与机制创新，聚合热泵与蓄热资源将为电力系统提供低成本、高可靠的调节能力，实现供热行业转型与电力系统安全运行的“双赢”。 本文首刊于《中国能源观察》2026年2月刊 With the deepening… Read More +
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How have RAP’s values shown up in your work?
The first value drives the purpose of my work: to enhance the world in ways that harmonize with individuals' lives and bring contentment. The subsequent two values shape my approach at RAP: welcoming diverse ideas while maintaining a well-rounded perspective, all while considering the impact on various groups. The final value acts as a reminder to embrace progress incrementally, accept imperfections and welcome repetition.
What’s your passion outside of RAP/clean energy?
As indicated by my horoscope sign, I frequently immerse myself in either playful endeavors or learning experiences. I have taken singing and instrument classes, joined the dance team and undertaken a range of DIY projects. Additionally, I enhance my daily routine by exploring the world of video games and indulging in educational entertainment videos.
When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a psychologist or therapist when I grew up. While my path has taken a different direction, I've continued to adopt the role of a 'big sister'. Whether it's in my professional or personal relationships, my enthusiasm for offering assistance and support remains a constant driving force.