Wind battles coal for access to China's grid [News]

The 16th of October marks the start of heating season in northern China. Traditionally that means firing up coal boilers and pumping excess heat from big coal-fired electric plants to residences and businesses. This year, another heat source will join the mix: wind power. District heating systems across northern China are preparing to use small injections of heat from electric boilers that will be soaking up power generated from the region's robust overnight winter winds.