China’s State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has successfully completed the intelligent control of the country’s first commercially operated ultra-high voltage (UHV) alternating current (AC), 1,000 kV substation in Jingmen.
The intelligent control of adjusting and switching the 1,000 kV transformer, drastically shortens the operation time. It serves as a pivotal hub for the UHV AC ring network in Central China’s Hubei Province. In another development, SGCC has commenced construction on the 1,000 kV Ganzi UHV substation in Sichuan, China. This substation, which serves as the starting point for the Sichuan–Chongqing UHV project, will operate at an altitude of 3,450 metres, surpassing the previous altitude record of 1,500 metres for UHV substations in China, with transformation capacity of 6,000 MVA. Its construction though, faces unique challenges, including the harsh natural environment characterised by high altitudes, recurring ice, and intense seismic activity. Once completed, the substation will enable raising the main grid voltage level of the Southwest China Power Grid from 500 kV to 1,000 kV, and will enable the transmission of about 12 TWh of clean electricity annually.