Gansu-Zhejiang electricity transmission project erects first foundation tower

The first foundation tower of the Gansu-Zhejiang ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project is erected on May 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The first foundation tower of the Gansu-Zhejiang ±800 kilovolt ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project was erected in Shaoxing's Shangyu district on May 30, marking the start of the tower erection phase for the project's Zhejiang section.

Spanning from Gansu province to Zhejiang province, the project passes through six provinces and autonomous regions of Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Henan, Anhui and Zhejiang. With a total length of approximately 2,370 kilometers and a transmission capacity of 8 million kilowatts, it is the world's first flexible direct current ultra-high voltage transmission project. It deepens the cooperation between eastern and western China, promotes the outbound transmission of power from the Gobi and desert energy base and supports the construction of a new type of power system in Zhejiang, ensuring a stable energy supply and pricing.

The Zhejiang section of the project spans 219.16 kilometers, with 456 new towers under construction. These towers will pass through Lin'an and Fuyang districts in Hangzhou, as well as Zhuji city, Keqiao and Shangyu districts in Shaoxing, covering two cities and five districts. The State Grid Shaoxing Power Supply Company has established an ultra-high voltage project management system to promote the effective cooperation between government and enterprises. At the same time, efforts were made to ensure safety in engineering foundations, construction sites and material supply, guaranteeing the safe, high-quality and efficient progress of the project.

The tower erection marks the early construction phase, which includes the construction of six towers. The project will cross the 500 kV Shunming line. The State Grid Zhejiang Power Supply Company has formulated an early construction plan, optimizing construction sequences to reduce power outage frequencies and minimize operational risks to the power grid, ensuring electricity supply during peak summer periods. Approximately 180 personnel from nine teams were mobilized for the tower erection. They utilized ground-sitting arm pole clamps and a self-developed remote-controlled dismantling device to improve mechanization and accelerate construction.

Currently, the project and its supporting outbound projects have entered a working phase with high intensity. Once completed, it will enhance cross-regional energy transmission, expand Zhejiang's power intake capacity, strengthen the receiving-end power grid, and contribute to the overall stability of energy supply and pricing in the province.