What are the advantages of China's construction of UHV power grids?

For a long time, the "two weak" has been the main issue of China's power grid construction. The data shows that with the increase of power grid investment in recent years, the development of power grids has basically met the needs of economic and social power consumption. However, in order to meet the needs of large-scale energy bases for power transmission, rapid development of clean energy, and smart electricity needs, the grid structure must be optimized to speed up UHV grid development.

As the focus of China's energy production continues to shift westward and northward, by 2015, two-thirds of China's primary energy will come from five major countries such as Shanxi and Xinjiang. Two-thirds of the new electricity supply in the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” originates from large-scale power supply bases. This requires the conversion of energy resources into electricity on the spot and long distance transportation. The UHV transmission technology has the characteristics of long transmission distance, large capacity, low loss and high efficiency, which can meet the requirements. Therefore, to ensure the intensive development and reliable delivery of energy bases and to accommodate the large-scale clean energy safety, it is necessary to speed up the construction of a strong smart grid with a UHV backbone grid.

Based on the concept of large-scale energy, the State Grid Corporation of China clearly stated that the development direction of the Chinese-style smart grid should be a strong and smart grid with the UHV grid as the backbone grid and coordinated development of all levels of grids. Since 2006, Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen 1000kv UHV AC pilot demonstration project and Xiangjiaba-Shanghai ±800 kv UHV DC transmission project have been put into operation. Over the years, China's UHV systems and equipment have been operating smoothly, fully verifying the technical feasibility, equipment reliability, system safety, design and construction program advancement, and environmental friendliness of UHV transmission, and achieved long-distance in China. Major breakthroughs have been made in the localization of UHV core technologies and equipment with large capacity and low loss. At the same time, it has brought considerable benefits to local economic and social development.

Jindongnan-Nanyang-Jingmen 1000kv UHV AC pilot demonstration project is China's first UHV AC pilot demonstration project. Prior to this, in the world only the former Soviet Union had put UHV AC transmission lines into operation. Although Japan built UHV transmission lines, it has been stepping down to 500 kV operation. In addition, U.S. and Italy and other countries have also conducted research on UHV transmission technologies, but due to factors such as the slowdown in power demand and environmental impact, UHV power transmission projects have not been constructed. The practice test proves that it is technically feasible and economically reasonable to build a strong power grid in China with the exchange of 1,000 kV and DC ±800 kV as the core, which is related to the country’s energy strategy and energy security. It is conducive to the sustainable development of the national economy, to China's long-term energy development, and to optimize the allocation of energy resources throughout the country to achieve the power planning goals of “West-to-East Electricity Transmission, North-to-North Supply, Water and Fire, and National Networking” and complete electricity. The overall coordinated development of industry will have a positive impact.

On November 29, Jinping-Sulan ± 800 kv UHV DC project was put into trial operation, and will be officially put into operation at the end of the year. This is also the UHV DC transmission project with the highest voltage level, the longest transmission distance, the largest transmission capacity, and the most advanced technology in the world. It is of great significance to implement the national strategy for the development of the western region and transform the advantages of Sichuan's hydropower resources into economic advantages.

It should be said that the construction of UHV power grids is a new topic in the development of the world's power grids. It can enhance China’s ability to independently innovate in science and technology and occupy the commanding heights of the world’s power technology. The development of UHV equipment is a key link in the construction of UHV power grids. The development of million-volt AC and ±800 kV DC UHV equipment is still the first time in China, and there are not many international experiences that can be used for reference. We must rely on our own strength and learn from foreign technologies and experience and independently develop, The road of self-manufacturing and equipment localization. During the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” period, the State Grid Corporation of China will continue to invest heavily in accelerating the construction of UHV power grids and distribution networks for urban and rural areas, and initially form a smart grid operation control and interactive service system. UHV key technologies and equipment will achieve major breakthroughs and extensive application.

In summary, the various advantages of UHV power grids increase the bargaining power for China to solve the contradiction between power supply and demand and the contradiction of power transmission. By building a strong UHV backbone grid, large-capacity power resources can be transported across regions. This will not only solve the problem of energy shortages in the eastern and southern regions, reduce the pressure on transportation and environmental protection, but also promote the resource advantages of the central and western regions. Convert to economic advantages and realize the coordinated development of the national economy.