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From Long-Distance Power Transmission to Flexible and Intelligent Grid Control: UHV Technology Enters a New Stage of Development
As China’s new power system continues to develop, the power grid is transforming from a conventional electricity transmission network into a new grid platform characterised by security, reliability, green and low-carbon development, resilience, and intelligent flexibility.
As an important power technology developed with independent intellectual property rights in China, Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) transmission technology is also evolving. Its development is moving beyond large-capacity, long-distance power transmission towards greater flexibility, intelligence, and coordinated AC/DC operation.
Coordinated AC/DC Development Enhances Power Grid Resource Allocation
UHV transmission mainly involves two technical approaches: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Both play distinct yet complementary roles in the power system.
UHV DC transmission offers advantages in long-distance, large-capacity power delivery. It is particularly suitable for transmitting electricity from large-scale energy bases to distant load centres, significantly enhancing the capacity for cross-regional energy resource allocation.
UHV AC transmission, by contrast, supports both power transmission and grid-forming functions. It is an essential component in developing regional backbone grids and strengthening overall grid structure. As electricity demand continues to grow in central and eastern China and the number of high-capacity DC transmission corridors increases, the UHV AC backbone network can strengthen regional grid security, improve power flow distribution, and provide essential support for the integration of large-scale DC power into receiving-end grids.
Looking ahead, as cross-regional power transmission continues to expand, coordinated development of UHV AC and DC systems will become increasingly important in enhancing the security and stability of the power system.
Flexible DC Technology Facilitates the Flexible Integration of Renewable Energy
The growing share of renewable energy generation is placing higher demands on the flexibility and stability of power system operation. Traditional transmission technologies may have certain limitations under some complex operating conditions, making flexible DC transmission an increasingly important area of industry attention.
Flexible DC transmission enables more flexible control over the magnitude and direction of current. It offers promising application potential in scenarios such as large-scale renewable energy integration, interconnection of complex power grids, and certain specialised power transmission applications.
Practical engineering projects are driving the continued development of UHV flexible DC technology. For example, the Gansu–Zhejiang ±800 kV UHV DC Transmission Project adopts a technical configuration featuring flexible DC technology at both the sending and receiving ends. It is the world’s first UHV project of this kind. This technical approach is expected to enhance the flexibility of renewable energy integration and transmission, providing new technological support for the large-scale, cross-regional allocation of clean energy in the future.
Meanwhile, the development and engineering application of key technologies, including UHV flexible DC systems, associated core equipment, and third-generation semiconductor devices, will remain important areas of industry innovation and technological advancement.
The Gansu–Zhejiang ±800 kV UHV DC Transmission Project.
(Source: Science and Technology Daily)
Digitalisation and Intelligent Technologies Empower Grid Planning and Operation
Beyond innovations in transmission technology itself, digitalisation and intelligent technologies are becoming increasingly important in supporting the development of UHV systems.
As power grids continue to expand, the volume of data and the complexity of systems involved in grid planning, operational control, and engineering management are steadily increasing. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and digital modelling are gradually being applied to power grid planning and engineering construction.
In grid planning, AI can assist with planning calculations, scenario analysis, and intelligent decision-making, improving both the scientific basis and efficiency of planning activities. In power transmission system operation, the integration of next-generation communication technologies and intelligent sensing technologies can enhance flexible control capabilities and improve real-time awareness of grid operating conditions.
Conclusion
From coordinated AC/DC development and breakthroughs in flexible DC technology to the application of AI and digital technologies, UHV transmission is evolving towards greater flexibility, intelligence, and efficiency.
This trend not only places higher demands on transmission systems themselves but also drives technological upgrades across transformers, converter equipment, reactors, protection and control systems, and various auxiliary power equipment.
For DKNC, continuously monitoring technological innovation in these key areas while strengthening product reliability and system integration capabilities will provide an important foundation for contributing to the development of China’s new power grid.
Sources: State Grid
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