The 750-kilovolt transmission and transformation project around the Tarim Basin has been fully completed

After 15 years of construction, the 750-kilovolt transmission and transformation project encircling the Tarim Basin—China’s largest basin—has been fully completed on July 13. Spanning a total length of 4,197 kilometers, this project has established an “energy ring” for electricity transmission, signifying a major advancement in the region’s power infrastructure.

Engineering Background

The 750-kilovolt transmission and transformation project represents another major infrastructure achievement in China’s development of the Taklimakan Desert region, following the completion of railway and highway projects. The implementation of this project has significantly enhanced the power supply reliability in southern Xinjiang and provided robust support for regional economic growth.

Engineering Characteristics

Ultra-high voltage transmission ring network: This project constitutes the largest 750-kilovolt ultra-high voltage transmission system in China. It comprises nearly 10,000 transmission towers and nine substations, which serve as the “skeleton” and “heart” of the power grid.
Multi-path power flow: According to Xu Yubo, Deputy Director of the State Grid Xinjiang Construction Branch, the ring network design enables power to flow through multiple routes, thereby eliminating the risk of single-point failure.

Engineering Construction Challenges

Challenging construction environment: Approximately 60% of the Tarim Basin is covered by the Taklimakan Desert. During construction, workers encountered sand dunes reaching up to 50 meters in height. To overcome the challenges posed by quicksand and steep terrain, builders adopted a “hardcore road-building” strategy.
Peak period human input: At the height of construction, more than 3,000 workers were deployed daily, with a total workforce exceeding 15,000 participants.

Future Outlook

The final phase of the “Energy Ring” project is scheduled to be put into operation in November this year. Through this power network, wind and solar energy generated in southern Xinjiang will converge into a green power torrent, enabling new development opportunities across various sectors.
The successful completion of the 750-kilovolt transmission and transformation project around the Tarim Basin not only significantly enhanced the power supply reliability in southern Xinjiang but also injected new momentum into regional economic development, showcasing China’s achievements in modern infrastructure construction.