Pakistan's First DC Power Transmission Project Completed

A view of the Lahore converter station of the ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission Project [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Construction of the ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore high-voltage (HV) direct current (DC) transmission line, the first of its kind in Pakistan, was recently completed as the bipolar DC system of the Lahore converter station finished non-load OLT testing.

The last prior power transmission project under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Matiari-Lahore DC power transmission project was State Grid Corporation of China's first overseas ±660 kV DC project with complete proprietary intellectual property rights and a main achievement amid the COVID-19 epidemic in the international construction field.

With the highest voltage in the country, the line has the longest power transmission line and is expected to promote internationalization of the power standard.

With a total investment of nearly $1.66 billion, the project started construction on Dec 1, 2018, and included two ±660 kV DC converter stations, an 886-kilometer DC power transmission line and supportive facilities.

Nearly 8,000 builders from China and Pakistan participated in the construction and conquered difficulties caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, seasonal rain and a high-temperature desert location.

Innovative engineering technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles were used in the construction which guaranteed the project's progress and quality.

Builders pose to commemorate the completion of the ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore HVDC Transmission Project. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Once operable, the project will greatly ease power shortages in Punjab province and the capital Islamabad, the most important economic centers of the country, as well as boost the country's economic growth and help improve local people's living level.

It will also play a significant role in deepening construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and energy cooperation between the two countries.

Builders install the main converter transformer for the Matiari converter station. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

Builders lay cable at the Matiari converter station. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)