1. Major New UHV Projects in 2024

China continues to lead the world in ultra-high-voltage (UHV) power transmission, with several landmark projects launched in 2024:

• Gansu-Zhejiang ±800kV HVDC Line

• Transports clean energy from Gansu’s vast wind and solar farms to Zhejiang’s high-demand industrial zones.

• Expected to deliver over 40 billion kWh annually, reducing coal consumption by 12 million tons per year.

• Strengthens China’s "West-East Power Transfer" strategy, optimizing renewable energy utilization.

• Tibet-Greater Bay Area ±800kV HVDC Project

• The world’s highest-altitude UHV line, traversing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (elevation >5,000m).

• Supplies hydropower from Tibet to Guangdong, supporting the Greater Bay Area’s economic growth.

• Features extreme cold and low-oxygen resistance, setting a new benchmark for high-altitude power infrastructure.

• Sichuan-Chongqing 1000kV AC Grid Expansion

• Enhances power reliability for the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, a key national development hub.

• Integrates Sichuan’s hydropower with Chongqing’s industrial demand, reducing blackout risks.

2. Technological Breakthroughs in UHV Transmission

China has achieved several world-first innovations in UHV technology:

• ±1100kV DC (Zhundong-Wannan Line – Fully Domestic Equipment)

• The world’s highest-voltage DC line, with 100% China-made transformers and converters, reducing reliance on foreign tech.

• Capacity reaches 12 GW, enough to power 16 million homes.

• Flexible HVDC (Zhangbei Project – Beijing Winter Olympics Power Source)

• Enabled 100% renewable energy for the 2024 Winter Olympics, integrating wind, solar, and storage.

• Provides black-start capability, ensuring grid stability during emergencies.

• Carbon Fiber Composite Conductors (CFCC)

• 50% higher capacity than traditional steel-core lines, with lighter weight and corrosion resistance.

• Deployed in extreme environments (e.g., Xinjiang’s deserts, Tibet’s highlands).

3. Policy & Market Drivers Accelerating UHV Growth

• State Grid’s 2024 Investment Plan:

• Over 150 billion yuan ($21B) allocated for UHV projects, reinforcing China’s dominance in high-voltage grids.

• Focus on inter-regional power transfer to balance renewable energy distribution.

• Global Expansion of UHV Tech:

• Exported to Brazil (Amazon Hydropower Transmission), Pakistan (CPEC Grid Upgrades), and Africa.

• China’s "Belt and Road" UHV exports set to grow, with potential Europe-Africa intercontinental links.

4. Challenges & Future Outlook

• Environmental & Regulatory Hurdles:

• Some UHV lines face opposition for crossing ecologically sensitive areas (e.g., Tibetan grasslands, Yangtze River Basin).

• Solutions: Underground cabling in critical zones, AI-assisted route optimization.

• Next-Gen UHV Innovations:

• Superconducting Cables: Testing underway for near-lossless power transfer over long distances.

• Global Mega-Grids: Proposals for Africa-Europe HVDC links and ASEAN Power Interconnection.

Conclusion

China’s UHV grid is the backbone of its energy transition, enabling large-scale renewable integration and intercontinental power trade. With cutting-edge tech, massive investments, and global expansion, China is shaping the future of electricity transmission—while facing challenges in sustainability and geopolitics. The next decade could see UHV grids spanning continents, revolutionizing global energy networks.