A few days ago, I came across a BBC article about China's ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission system, specifically the Xiangjiaba–Shanghai UHVDC project, which has been in service since 2010. I found myself wondering why the BBC chose to highlight this news 14 years after the operations began.
Dubbed the "bullet train for power," this technology enables the delivery of electricity over long distances, starting in Yibin, Sichuan, and ending in Shanghai. It marked the beginning of an era where China built an extensive network of ultra-high-voltage (UHV) infrastructure, transporting electricity generated from hydro and wind sources in remote regions to densely populated cities.
Electricity travels almost as fast as light and is costly to store, which makes immediate transmission essential as soon as it is generated. The UHV technology, while not originally invented by China, has become a cornerstone of the country's energy system. It allows efficient transmission of electricity across vast distances, a critical solution for connecting renewable-rich but remote areas with energy-hungry urban centers.
Here are key insights from this news:
1. By reducing transmission losses, UHV lines enable renewable energy to travel long distances efficiently, minimizing energy losses and facilitating large-scale clean energy deployment.
2. UHV systems ensure electricity is quickly transmitted from generators to consumers, addressing the challenge of real-time power delivery.
3. UHV infrastructure demands significant investment and operational efficiency to justify its costs. China mitigates these challenges through centralized funding by state-owned grid operators, enabling ambitious infrastructure projects.
A Broader Perspective:
The Chinese saying, "欲穷千里目，更上一层楼" (Yù qióng qiān lǐ mù, gèng shàng yī céng lóu), translates to "If you want to see a thousand miles further, ascend another level." It reflects the spirit of pushing boundaries to achieve greater heights and broader perspectives. This aptly captures China's plan to innovate and elevate its energy infrastructure. The UHV grid represents a bold step in overcoming challenges and driving progress in the global renewable energy transition.
In conclusion, China's UHV grid serves as a pioneering model in energy transition, offering valuable technical insights and lessons on scaling renewable energy infrastructure effectively.
Finally, I’d like to share one of the reasons I highlight China’s achievements on my blog. I believe it’s essential to take a balanced view when evaluating a country. Much like individuals, no country is defined entirely by its strengths or weaknesses. I focus on China’s strengths because the mainstream media in the United States often overlooks them, disrupting this balance. My hope is that my children develop a more open-minded perspective, embracing views that differ from the ones they encounter daily in America.
By the way, today is November 23, and our family is leaving for Paris for the Thanksgiving break; we’ll be back in December.