State Grid Contributes to Myanmar's Power Infrastructure Construction

Connection work by State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid) linking northern Myanmar's Kachin State and the country's 230 kV backbone power grid was recently completed.

The work shows key progress on power cooperation between China and Myanmar and is a model of China's contribution to Myanmar's livelihood.

The connection project started to build in November 2017 with a contract value of $133.47 million. It included construction of two 230 kV transformer substations and two 300-kilometer 230 kV double circuit power transmission lines between the Dapein hydropower station in Kachin and Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar.

The project connects the Dapein hydropower station with the country's backbone grid, and is the main mode of transferring electricity from northern to southern areas.

Power shortages in the south will be greatly relieved and the power needs of more than five million households will be met when the project is completed.

The project will also help the country to reach its goal of nation-wide electricity access by 2030 and drive development of upstream and downstream industries and the country's economic growth through supply of power and raw materials as well as employment.

Strengthening power cooperation between China and Myanmar is a significant part of the Belt and Road and a support to the backbone grid of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC).

State Grid has actively participated in Belt and Road construction by promoting international capacity cooperation in recent years and has contributed to Myanmar's backbone grid construction.

The company has built more than 20 transmission and distribution projects in the country including construction and expansion of more than twenty 230 kV transformer substations as well as nearly 1,300 kilometers of 230 kV and 66 kV power transmission lines.

During construction, the company strictly followed the principle of "extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits", recruited local employees, respected local cultures and religions and protected the environment.

It also fulfilled social responsibilities which promoted China-Myanmar friendship and the Belt and Road Initiative.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)