Why is China building a UHV power grid?

State Grid is also building a world-leading set of ultrahigh-voltage AC lines, to help eastern China’s regional AC grids absorb the output from those massive lines. “The UHV AC power grid is like a deep-water port, and the UHV DC is like a 10,000-ton ship.

Is China's UHV grid better than the rest of the world?

Gregory Reed, a DC transmission expert who runs the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Energy, says China’s UHV grid puts it far ahead of the rest of the world. “They’re investing significantly, and they’ve gone right to the highest levels of technology capability from day one. There’s no comparison anywhere else in the world.

How does UHV building affect renewable power?

Renewable power has been benefiting from the UHV building effort—but only recently and the positive effects are gradual. Prior to 2018, most of the grid construction was meant for transmitting thermal or hydropower from the west of China, with limited grid connections allocated to renewable power.

Is UHV infrastructure a 'Chinese solution'?

The construction of UHV infrastructure has become a vital part of China’s “New Infrastructure” projects, presenting a “Chinese solution” to the global challenge of regional energy resource mismatches.

Does UHV improve energy structure reorganization?

Thirdly, accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure and mechanism planning to ensure that electric power infrastructure plays a leading role in market scale reorganization and energy structure adjustment. The study finds that UHV significantly promotes innovation and optimizes the energy structure.

What is UHV technology?

The UHV technology offers the distinct advantage of being able to transfer high amounts of power over long distances at a very low current value, thereby minimising transmission line losses. China plans to combine long-haul UHV DC lines with a UHV AC backbone to help distribute the power to regional consumers.