The First Phase of the 750 kV Transmission Project for the Zhangye Power Plant Expansion in Gansu Goes into Operation

Recently, the first phase of the expanded 750kV transmission project supporting the expansion of Zhangye Power Plant in Gansu Province has been successfully commissioned, with the Ganye II Line energized successfully. As a major initiative under Gansu's 14th Five-Year Plan and a key project for building the clean energy base in the Hexi Corridor, the project spans 80.51 kilometers from the 750kV step-up substation at Zhangye Power Plant to the Ganzhou 750kV substation. It involves the construction of 169 new transmission towers and increases transmission capacity by over 4,000 MW.

The 750 kV transmission line for the Zhangye Power Plant Expansion

Photo by Han Tiantian

Once fully operational, the project will provide reliable peak shaving and compensation support for the Zhangye region's 4.86GW of installed new energy capacity (excluding 1.57 GW of energy storage). This will significantly enhance the grid's capacity to absorb renewable energy and inject green momentum into Gansu's economic and social development. During construction, the innovative "one-traction-six" tension stringing method was applied, enabling the simultaneous installation of six sub-conductors in a single operation, which improved efficiency by 30% and shortened the project timeline.

Erection of transmission towers for the Zhangye 750 kV power transmission project

Photo by Cheng Gang

The expansion project of two 1,000 MW coal-fired power units at the Zhangye Power Plant of Gansu Electric Power Investment Co., Ltd.

Photo by Pan Lei

The Hexi Corridor is rich in wind and solar resources. Zhangye has now developed 2.447 GW of wind power capacity and 4.252 GW of photovoltaic capacity, with new energy sources accounting for 80.8% of its total installed capacity. The completion of this transmission corridor will further strengthen the grid's pivotal role, support the large-scale development and efficient utilization of new energy in the Hexi region, and ensure safe and stable grid operation during peak load periods. This is highly significant for ensuring power supply in central Gansu and promoting regional economic development. (Text by Cheng Gang)