New ultra-high voltage project begins operation to deliver power from Xinjiang to Chongqing

Xinjiang is a key sending hub in China's west-to-east power transmission program. The new transmission line is expected to deliver more than 36 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to Chongqing's power load center, more than half of which derives from new energy sources. The application of new energy equals saving approximately 6 million tonnes of coal and reducing about 16 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The project is expected to contribute to economic development in both Xinjiang and Chongqing, enhance regional coordinated development, facilitate rural revitalization, and help improve public welfare, the corporation said.

As the starting point of this line, Hami saw the installed capacity of new energy in its power grid reach approximately 23 million kilowatts by the end of 2024.

As the terminal hub of the line, Chongqing, with a population of roughly 32 million, faces a primary energy deficit. It is the only provincial-level region in western China that is a net importer of energy.