ABB Power Grids supports China to build multi-terminal power transmission projects

Partnering with China Southern Power Grid to deliver clean power from west to east China

On June 11, the Yunnan-Guizhou ±500 kilovolt (kV) direct current (DC) transmission line was officially put into operation. As the world’s first ±500 kV three-terminal power project developed by China Southern Power Grid (CSG) in south China, the line will effectively increase the hydropower consumption in Yunnan Province, southwest China and deliver more clean electricity to Guangdong Province in southeast China. 

ABB Power Grids provided leading high-voltage (HV) technologies for the newly constructed Luquan converter station in Yunnan Province to ensure safe and reliable power supply. 

The Yunnan-Guizhou transmission line is China’s first “three-terminal” DC power project that transformed from a “two-terminal” DC transmission line. It added a converter station in Luquan, Yunnan, connected with the established Guizhou-Guangdong DC transmission line and achieved the three-terminal DC transmission link across Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangdong provinces. It is expected to transmit around 6 billion kWh of hydropower every year and reduce coal consumption by 1.8 million tons and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 4.8 million tons. 

Although facing the challenging schedule, ABB Power Grids supplied 500 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas-insulated line (GIL) to the project in 5 months, and overcame the situation of COVID-19, successfully completing the on-site installation and commission.