China's efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure have achieved a significant milestone as the country's first 500kV provincial digital power grid—the Hainan 500kV main grid project—has surpassed 50% completion.
From GUANGMINGNET
China's efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure have achieved a significant milestone as the country's first 500kV provincial digital power grid—the Hainan 500kV main grid project—has surpassed 50% completion. The project, with an estimated total investment of 5.7 billion yuan (approximately $800 million), is progressing rapidly. This development was highlighted at the Fifth International Forum on New-Type Power Systems held recently.
Advancing Clean Energy Transmission
The Hainan grid project is part of a broader push to enhance clean energy infrastructure nationwide. Another key initiative, the Zangguang ultra-high-voltage (UHV) direct current transmission project, is set to begin construction soon. This project will facilitate large-scale clean energy transmission from western China to key economic hubs, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port.
Meng Zhenping, Chairman of China Southern Power Grid, noted that renewable energy installations in southern China have reached nearly 180 gigawatts, making clean energy the region's largest power source. This marks a major step toward a power supply structure dominated by renewables.
Building a Smarter, Cleaner Power System
China's new-type power system is characterized by four key attributes: safety and efficiency, clean and low-carbon energy, flexibility and resilience, and smart integration. Accelerating the construction of such systems is seen as a cornerstone of achieving China's dual carbon goals—peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060.
To support these objectives, China Southern Power Grid has established 35 demonstration zones for the new power system, tailored to regional conditions. These zones are set to complete evaluation and acceptance by the end of 2023. Additionally, 15 advanced technologies and business models are being promoted for broader adoption. By 2035, the new-type power system in southern China is expected to be fully operational, laying the foundation for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.