General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently emphasized the importance of the energy and electric power industry, advocating for the "four revolutions and one cooperation" strategy to drive sustainable development. He has clearly stated that "energy technology development will be the main approach to solving energy challenges," highlighting the need for a scientific response to evolving issues. This vision has provided a clear direction for the industry's progress.
On February 28, the commencement and mobilization meeting for the Zhangbei Renewable Energy Flexible DC Power Grid Pilot Project was held in Beijing. As the world’s first flexible DC grid with network characteristics, this project represents a major technological breakthrough. It is also the highest voltage-level and largest-capacity flexible DC project globally, set to achieve 12 world-first milestones. The project marks a significant milestone in the history of power grid technology, both in China and worldwide.
Shu Yinbiao, Chairman and Party Secretary of State Grid Corporation, attended the event and officially announced the start of the project. Liu Baohua, member of the National Energy Administration’s Party Group and Deputy Director, Zhen Zhenjiang, Deputy Mayor of Beijing, and Yuan Tongli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and Executive Deputy Governor, were also present and delivered speeches. Yang Jinbai, Deputy General Manager and Party Group Member, and Liu Zehong, Deputy General Manager, attended the meeting, with Liu presiding over it.
The project is a key initiative by the company to implement central decisions and support clean and low-carbon energy development. With a rated voltage of ±500 kV, it involves the construction of 666 km of ±500 kV DC transmission lines and four converter stations in Zhangbei, Kangbao, Fengning, and Beijing, with a total commutation capacity of 9 million kilowatts. The total investment is 12.5 billion yuan. Approved in December 2017, the project aims to be completed and commissioned by the first half of 2020. It is included in the National “Eleventh Five-Year Plan for Power Development†(2016–2020) and the Energy Technology Revolution Innovation Action Plan (2016–2030), and was recommended as an iconic project under “Made in China 2025†in 2018.
Liu Baohua, on behalf of the National Energy Administration, congratulated the project’s launch, emphasizing that green development is a core component of Xi Jinping’s new era socialist thought. He noted that the Central Committee and the State Council prioritize clean energy as part of structural reforms in the energy sector. The Zhangjiakou renewable energy demonstration zone is a major decision by the leadership. He praised the solid preparation for the Zhangbei project and encouraged all parties to work together, innovate, and overcome challenges to build a new benchmark in modern power engineering and contribute to green development.
Shu Yinyu highlighted the project’s significance, noting that it not only serves as a demonstration for new energy development but also explores new models for utilizing renewable resources in China’s resource-rich areas. It promotes innovation in the next-generation power system and supports the low-carbon goals of the Winter Olympics. Once operational, the Winter Olympic venues will be powered entirely by clean energy, while also advancing the upgrading of China’s power technology equipment. The project is expected to lead the development of high-voltage, high-capacity flexible DC transmission technology.
Zhen Zhenjiang and Yuan Tongli emphasized that the project will significantly improve the local environment and that accelerating its construction is a shared goal. They pledged to create favorable conditions for its smooth implementation and ensure quality and efficiency throughout the process.
The main mobilization meeting was held at the headquarters of State Grid Corporation, with sub-meetings in Beijing and Yubei. Representatives from various ministries, local governments, design, equipment, supervision, and construction units, along with company leaders and staff, participated. The Zhangbei and Beijing converter stations were also observed simultaneously at the project site.
Cixi Xinke Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cxxinke.com