Gansu Province is planning to significantly boost its ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission capacity as part of efforts to turn its renewable energy resources into economic growth drivers.
Source: China Electric Power News
Gansu Province is planning to significantly boost its ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission capacity as part of efforts to turn its renewable energy resources into economic growth drivers. At a recent policy briefing hosted by the provincial government, Wang Yongjie, Deputy Director of the Gansu Energy Bureau, said that as of the end of April, the province’s installed renewable energy capacity had reached 67.2 GW—accounting for 64.7% of its total power capacity and ranking second nationwide. Gansu also ranks second in China in terms of renewable power generation this year, with an estimated 80.6 billion kWh of green electricity expected to be produced in 2024, representing 35.4% of the province's total generation.
With abundant wind and solar resources and a strategic location, Gansu is widely seen as one of the most promising regions in China for clean energy development. The province boasts a wind energy potential of 560 GW—fourth in the country—and solar potential of 950 GW, ranking fifth. Nearly half (46.3%) of its total land area remains unused, providing ample space for renewable projects.
Under its Action Plan to Develop a National Hub for Renewable Energy and Equipment Manufacturing, Gansu aims to increase installed renewable capacity to 80 GW by the end of 2025, with output from the renewable and equipment manufacturing sectors exceeding RMB 100 billion. By 2030, the province targets 160 GW of installed capacity and industry output surpassing RMB 200 billion.
Gansu currently plays a pivotal role in China’s northwest power grid and serves as a major artery for west-to-east electricity transmission. The province has four UHV direct current (DC) export lines in operation or under construction, ranking second nationally in scale.
Looking ahead, Gansu plans to further develop large-scale renewable energy bases in the Tengger, Badain Jaran, and Kumtag deserts. It is also seeking national approval to add two or three more UHV DC transmission corridors. By the mid-point of the 15th Five-Year Plan (around 2027), all four existing UHV lines are expected to be operating efficiently, with a combined transmission capacity of 32 GW and an annual delivery of over 140 billion kWh. By 2030, the number of operational UHV DC lines is projected to increase to six, raising the total transmission capacity to 48 GW.
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