Xinjiang Power Grid Launches Northern Ring Grid, Forming a Main Grid Pattern of 'Five Ring Grids for Internal Power Supply'

On October 1, as the 7530 circuit breakers were successively closed at the two 750kV substations in Tacheng and Wusu, the Tacheng-Wusu 750kV transmission and transformation project was launched into service. In northern Xinjiang, the transmission capacity of the Chengqu section was uplifted from 2.43GW to 4.2GW, while the capacity of the Wuqu section was uplifted from 1GW to 4.9GW. These mark the completion of Xinjiang's northern ring grid, forming the main grid framework of "five ring grids for internal power supply" in this autonomous region.

A panoramic photo of the 750kV substation project in Tacheng, taken on August 17, 2024 [Photo by Ma Yuan]

A photo of the Tacheng-Wusu 750kV transmission line project spanning over the Baiyanghe Grand Canyon, taken on August 14, 2024. [Photo by Ma Yuan]

As a key project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the construction of the Tacheng-Wusu 750kV transmission line began with the construction of Tacheng's 750kV substation and ended following the completion of Wusu's 750kV substation, spanning seven cities and counties in Tacheng, including Hoboksar County, Karamay, and the seventh division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, with a total length of 631 kilometers and 1,391 newly built towers, and a dynamic investment totaling approximately CNY 2.772 billion. The construction started in September 2022 and took two years to finish. After the launch, the project will effectively consolidate the grid structure of the three prefecture-level cities and regions in northern Xinjiang, meeting the demand of Altay, Tacheng and Karamay for large-scale external transmission of new energy electricity. It will expand the transmission capacity of the Tacheng-Wujiaqu section and the Wujiaqu-Wubei section, and play a significant role in promoting the consumption of new energy and the development of local energy resources.

A photo of the Tacheng-Wusu 750kV transmission line project spanning over the Lianyungang–Khorgos Expressway, taken on September 28, 2024. [Photo by Ma Yuan]

A photo of a power worker eliminating the defects in the Tacheng-Wusu 750kV transmission line project, taken on August 15, 2024. [Photo by Ma Yuan]

To ensure the launch of the project as scheduled, State Grid Xinjiang Power Company made great efforts to address challenges resulting from the fragile ecological environment and frequent conversion of connections. The logistic division focused on material supply to guarantee timely follow-up and correction. The Northwestern China Branch of State Grid developed meticulous plans of commissioning and dispatching for the smooth progress of site transmission.