Starting from the vast Gobi Desert in the Hexi Corridor, spanning 2383 kilometers of mountains and rivers, a continuous stream of electricity travels eastward along the silver line, lighting up the lights of thousands of households in Central China. This ± 800 kV Qishao ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project, known as the "Power Silk Road", has achieved a cumulative output of over 220 billion kilowatt hours, setting a new record for cross regional transmission of clean energy.

As China's first large-scale clean energy transmission ultra-high voltage direct current project, Qishao DC is not only a key artery of the "West East Electricity Transmission" energy strategy, but also an important bridge connecting the resource rich areas in the west and the load center in central China. The project starts from Qilian Converter Station in Jiuquan, Gansu Province in the west and ends at Shaoshan Converter Station in Xiangtan, Hunan Province in the east. Since its commissioning in June 2017, it has continuously transported wind, solar, and fire bundled electricity from Gansu Province to Central China.

Stereoscopic intelligent operation and maintenance

Since the beginning of winter, the pressure of ensuring power supply has increased, and the maximum daily transmission capacity of Qishao DC has exceeded 103 million kilowatt hours. To ensure the safe and stable operation of this energy artery, State Grid Gansu Ultra High Voltage Company has taken multiple measures, scientifically formulated operation and maintenance plans, and strengthened equipment hazard management. By actively conducting anti accident drills and fire drills, the emergency response and disposal capabilities of operation and maintenance personnel are continuously improved.

At the same time, digital technology injects modern wisdom into this ancient 'Silk Road'. The company innovatively creates a three-dimensional operation and maintenance mode of "online monitoring+offline inspection", using advanced technological means to achieve real-time tracking of equipment operation status at all times and dimensions, building a solid safety defense line, and ensuring the reliable delivery of clean energy.

The proportion of green electricity continues to increase

To maximize the transmission of green electricity, the company conducts in-depth analysis of the supply and demand situation, studies the external transmission capacity in different regions, seasons, and time periods, and actively promotes the signing of intergovernmental agreements. In the execution of the plan, the company continuously optimizes its trading strategy and external transmission structure, coordinates with power generation enterprises to declare electricity, prices, and curves, and increases the intensity of incremental trading in the short and medium term. 

This series of refined measures has effectively improved the efficiency of Qishao DC's new energy transmission, enabling more "green electricity" to cross thousands of miles and helping the energy structure transformation and energy conservation and emission reduction in Central China. Since the 14th Five Year Plan, new energy has accounted for over 40% of the electricity transmitted by Qishao DC, "said Li Weiwu, Director of the Business Planning and Carbon Management Department of State Grid Gansu Electric Power Development Division

Longdian's external transmission will be further expanded

Gansu is accelerating the construction of a regional development pattern of "one core and three belts", and making every effort to create a highland for the new energy industry. As of the end of October 2025, the installed capacity of new energy in the province has exceeded 76 million kilowatts, and significant achievements have been made in the construction of new power systems. Based on the successful operation of Qishao DC, the blueprint for Gansu power transmission is accelerating. Keywords: Engineering Information Platform, Construction News

At present, major projects such as the integration of Longdian into Zhejiang and Sichuan are accelerating. At the same time, the company has conducted in-depth research on the planning of subsequent ultra-high voltage direct current transmission channels such as Kumutage and Badain Jilin, striving to promote the inclusion of two more ultra-high voltage direct current transmission channels in the national plan during the "15th Five Year Plan" period, continuously improving the transmission capacity of Longdian, transforming Gansu's resource advantages into stronger economic and development advantages, and contributing greater strength to China's energy security and green transformation. Editor/Yang Beihua