Integration management of clean energy bases: A program management perspective

XIONG Qian; LONG Jian; LAI Wangfa; YANG Zuobin; MAO Hua; ZHAO Haizhong; TANG Wenzhe

doi:10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2025.21.041

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Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology) ›› 2026, Vol. 66 ›› Issue (5) : 919-936. DOI: 10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2025.21.041

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Integration management of clean energy bases: A program management perspective

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Abstract

[Objective] The development of clean energy bases is one of the key initiatives for advancing China's energy transition. Clean energy sources require the collaborative development of several projects, characterized by lengthy construction timelines, numerous stakeholders, and a complex management structure. Current research mostly focuses on key factors that affect how each clean energy project is managed. It does not systematically examine the underlying managerial mechanisms. Moreover, empirical research on the characteristics of clean energy bases is still lacking. This study develops a comprehensive theoretical model to identify key factors in the integration management of clean energy bases from a program management perspective. [Methods] The study uses a mixed research approach combining questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews. This study covers 38 clean energy projects located across 14 Chinese provinces or autonomous regions to ensure a diverse representation of regional development practices. Survey participants and interviewees were selected for their extensive project management and technical experience in clean energy domains, including owners, designers, constructors, supervisors, and operators. A robust dataset of 293 valid questionnaires was obtained for subsequent empirical analysis in two stages. The first stage included text analysis to identify key managerial demands for integration management in clean energy bases. Accordingly, a word cloud was created to visualize frequently cited keywords by stakeholders, and a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model systematically categorized these demands into major themes, thereby offering an empirical basis for theoretical model development. In the second stage, the questionnaire data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. This helped examine latent constructs and clarify the relationships among key program management factors and their impact on program performance. [Results] The text analysis identifies four key managerial demands in clean energy base integration management: strengthening integrated implementation, meeting external requirements, building robust management systems, and overcoming technological bottlenecks. The PLS-SEM results verify four key pathways of impact: (A) external conditions→management systems→partnerships→program operations→program performance; (B) external conditions→(management systems)→(resource allocation)→program implementation→program performance; (C) owners' program management capability→(partnerships)→program operations→program performance; (D) owners' program management capability→(management systems)→resource allocation→program implementation→program performance. Based on these findings, this study proposes five management strategies for integrating clean energy bases: (1) develop multi-energy complementary systems; (2) enhance digital management of clean energy programs; (3) promote integrated management across design, procurement, construction, and operation; (4) build partnerships among owners, governments, grid companies, and local communities; and (5) foster technological innovation to overcome critical bottlenecks. [Conclusions] Overall, this study identifies key challenges and focus areas in managing the integration of clean energy bases. The findings show that external conditions and owners' management skills, supported by well-designed management systems, optimized resource allocation, and effective partnership development, can substantially improve program implementation and operational efficiency. These measures would ultimately lead to an improved performance overall. The study provides theoretical and practical insights to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness in China's clean energy transition.

Key words

program management / clean energy base / stakeholder / partnership / resource allocation

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XIONG Qian, LONG Jian, LAI Wangfa, YANG Zuobin, MAO Hua, ZHAO Haizhong, TANG Wenzhe. Integration management of clean energy bases: A program management perspective[J]. Journal of Tsinghua University(Science and Technology). 2026, 66(5): 919-936 https://doi.org/10.16511/j.cnki.qhdxxb.2025.21.041

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