A Bullet Train for Power': China’s Ultra-High-Voltage Electricity Network and Its Role in the Future of Energy
China is leading the world in clean energy production, and to match this ambition, the country has rolled out an ultra-high-voltage (UHV) grid that is transforming the way electricity is distributed across the vast landscape. This cutting-edge power infrastructure is crucial for linking distant renewable energy sources to China’s bustling cities and industrial hubs, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy transmission.
One of the early examples of this technology can be seen in the Fengxian Converter Station, located just outside Shanghai. This station receives electricity from the Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station located 1,900 km (1,200 miles) away in the southwest, effectively powering Shanghai’s homes, offices, and factories. This system, operational since 2010, is part of China’s ambitious plans to utilize UHV technology to deliver electricity over long distances with minimal loss.
The 'Shinkansen for Power'
Known as the “Shinkansen for power,” a reference to Japan’s famous high-speed trains, UHV transmission lines function with a simple principle: the higher the voltage, the lower the current needed to transmit the same amount of power. Lower currents generate less heat, making it possible to send electricity over vast distances efficiently. This technology is especially important for China, where much of the country’s natural energy resources are located far from major population centers.
The Chinese government considers UHV transmission lines essential for tapping into renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which are often located in remote regions. The ability to send this clean energy to cities with high electricity demands is seen as critical for the country’s energy transition.
A Key Strategy for China’s Energy Needs
China’s UHV strategy emerged as a solution to ongoing power shortages. By the early 2000s, China was experiencing frequent electricity shortages, despite its heavy reliance on freight traffic to move coal and other raw materials. The idea to construct UHV lines was initially proposed by Liu Zhenya, head of China’s State Grid, who envisioned a nationwide power grid that could end blackouts and allow for the efficient transmission of energy from remote power stations to populous cities.
Despite early opposition to the concept, which raised concerns about its reliability and environmental impacts, the Chinese government eventually embraced UHV as part of its national strategy. In 2006, UHV technology was included in China’s five-year plan, signaling its importance for the future of the country’s energy infrastructure.
The Expansion of UHV in China
Since the implementation of the first UHV project in 2006, China has rapidly expanded its network of ultra-high-voltage lines. A key milestone was the completion of the Xiangjiaba-Shanghai line in 2010, which was the world’s longest and most powerful transmission system at the time. With a capacity of 6.4 gigawatts, this line supplies up to 40% of Shanghai’s power demand, and it has become a model for other countries considering similar projects.
China's UHV grid consists of a mix of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) systems. DC systems are more efficient over long distances, carrying more power with less loss, but are more expensive to build. AC lines, which are more flexible and can be connected to local grids, typically cover shorter distances.
Global Impact and Lessons Learned
China's success with UHV technology offers valuable lessons for other nations, particularly as countries around the world seek to fast-track their energy transitions. While other countries such as the UK, India, and Brazil have adopted UHV infrastructure, China remains the leader in terms of the number of lines installed. This vast network is a crucial part of China's strategy to integrate renewable energy into its national grid, supporting its goal to become a global
leader in clean energy production and transmission.
However, the construction and maintenance of UHV infrastructure are expensive, and challenges remain in ensuring the reliability and environmental impact of these vast transmission networks. Nonetheless, the efficiency of UHV lines represents a potential solution for many countries looking to reduce energy loss and enhance the efficiency of their grids.
As China continues to expand its ultra-high-voltage grid, the country is not only solving its own energy challenges but also setting an example for the world in terms of how to efficiently and sustainably transmit renewable energy over long distances. With the future of energy shifting towards cleaner sources, China's bold approach to UHV technology could help other nations fast-track their own energy transitions and avoid the pitfalls of power shortages and inefficient grids.