Baoji completes major power grid upgrade

A major upgrade to the 330-kilovolt power grid in southern Baoji, Shaanxi province, was completed on Sept 30. This marks a key step forward in strengthening grid security, improving power transmission capacity, and supporting electricity supplies to Baoji and Hanzhong.

Staff members of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Co engage in some construction work. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The project was completed after two transmission lines were connected to the 330-kV Baoji south substation on Sept 24 and Sept 30, respectively. Approved on Jan 24, 2024, the project involved 10 subprojects covering 16 substations at 330 kV and below, the construction and upgrading of 10 transmission lines, and the installation of 138 towers along 57.7 kilometers of lines.

The upgrade addressed key safety risks, including excessive short-circuit currents and insufficient backup capacity on major transmission lines. By dividing busbars at the 750-kV Baoji substation and establishing a more interconnected network, the project reduced short-circuit currents from a projected level exceeding 66 kiloamperes to within the level of equipment tolerance.

The first phase entered operation on July 4, while the second phase connected the Shixia II and Mapan I transmission lines to the 330-kV Webin substation, establishing a three-loop network that enables power to be rerouted from multiple directions when a major line is out of service.

The project will strengthen support for power transmission through the Dezhou-Baoji direct-current link and improve the reliability of electricity supplies, providing a stronger foundation for regional industrial development and economic growth.