Alar Ring network closed! Xinjiang's internal supply seventh ring network main network framework pattern has been preliminarily formed

On September 8, Xinjiang's main power grid framework took a crucial step forward with the completion of the Kuche-Alar-Bachu 750 kV transmission line project. The final segment of the "Seventh Internal Power Grid" ——Alar Ring Network was successfully connected, marking the official closure of this critical infrastructure in the region's arid Gobi Desert.

On September 8, 2025, the Kuche-Alar-Bachu 750 kV transmission line project was completed. (Photo by Ma Yuan)

The Kuche-Alar-Bachu 750 kV Power Transmission and Transformation Project stands as a flagship initiative by the company to support high-quality development in Southern Xinjiang, drive clean energy transition, and establish a model for next-generation power systems. This public-benefit project not only expands infrastructure investment but also boosts economic stability, improves livelihoods, and strengthens community cohesion. Spanning 485.029 kilometers with a total investment of 3.04 billion yuan, the project connects Kuche 750 kV Substation to Bachu 750 kV Substation, featuring a newly constructed Alar 750 kV Substation. Scheduled for commissioning within the year, its Alar Ring Grid comprises three 750 kV transmission projects: Kuche-Aksu-Bachu I, II, and Kuche-Alar-Bachu. The grid network includes four substations and 1,458 kilometers of transmission lines. Notably, the Kuche-Aksu-Bachu I and II projects became operational in 2015 and 2021 respectively, effectively resolving the chronic power supply imbalance that plagued Southern Xinjiang during summer heatwaves and winter shortages.

Photo taken on September 1, 2024 shows the 750-kilovolt transmission line between Kuqa, Alar and Bachu under dust weather. (Ma Yuan)

"Xinjiang operates as a unified chessboard, with Southern Xinjiang serving as the strategic pivot." With the large-scale development of renewable energy sources like solar power, Southern Xinjiang's resource advantages have become increasingly prominent, providing natural conditions for building a new-type power system with high renewable energy integration. Adhering to the principle of "power grids following industrial development and services revolving around projects," State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company has constructed 10750 kV transmission lines over the past 15 years since completing the region's first 750 kV line (Kuche-Bachu 750 kV Transmission Project) in 2010. This hasformed three ultra-high voltage loop networks in Kashgar, Tarim Basin periphery, and Alar, completely breaking the fragile pattern of single-point power supply in Southern Xinjiang and injecting robust energy momentum into regional economic development.

On September 4, 2024, the Kuche-Alar-Bachu 750 kV line project crosses the Kuche-Aksu second 750 kV line.(Photo by Ma Yuan)

The construction faced multiple challenges: Over 90% of the route traversed Gobi desert, with 8 kilometers along the Weigan River's banks in steep mountainous terrain and 121 kilometers requiring installation in desert saline-alkali areas with sand dunes reaching 5 meters in height. The excavation of foundation pits and material transportation posed significant difficulties. "We optimized the route to avoid fully mobile sand dune zones, aligning the line with national highways, railways, and villages to reduce construction workload. We preemptively reinforced vulnerable tower positions to minimize construction risks at source," explained Zhou .

On August 9, 2024, the construction of a tower was carried out for the 750-kilovolt transmission line project between Kuqa, Alar and Bachu.(Photo by Ma Yuan)

Ecological conservation remains a cornerstone of engineering projects. In the northern section spanning National Class II Public Welfare Forests from Santuan to Wushisan, the construction team implemented strategic tower relocation, precise route adjustments, and elevated cross-gate designs. These measures preserved over 1,000 poplar trees while reserving 20-meter growth space for new transmission towers, achieving harmonious coexistence between power grid development and poplar conservation efforts.

On September 8, 2025, the 750-kilovolt transmission line project between Kuqa, Alar and Bachu was completed. (Photo by Ma Yuan)

As of now, Xinjiang has constructed 32750 kV substations and 98 power lines (totaling 12,337.5 km). Five major grid loops including the Wuchang Metropolitan Area and Tianshan East have been completed, along with two regional grids in the Tarim Basin and Alar. Upon full grid integration within the year, the "seven internal supply loops and five external transmission channels" framework will be fully operational. Following the commissioning of the Kuche-Alar-Bachu power transmission line, the combined power supply capacity between Chukou and Chusha to three southern Xinjiang prefectures will reach 3.65 million kilowatts (an increase of 1.55 million kW compared to 2022). This will effectively meet the growing demand for renewable energy transmission and load expansion in southern Xinjiang, injecting robust power momentum into the region's high-quality development. (By Zhang Yang, Gun Yan, Wu Xiong)