First Large Power Transmission Project of CPEC Put into Operation

The ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore direct current (DC) transmission project in Pakistan, the first large-scale power transmission project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), recently started heavy-load trial operation.

The first south-to-north DC power transmission line in the country, the project has been given priority with construction starting in December 2018 and is scheduled to be put into commercial operation later this year after the heavy-load power export trial operation has been completed.

Once operational, the project is expected to transmit more than 30 billion kilowatt-hours of power annually, providing stable and high-quality electricity to about 10 million local households, which will promote economic and social development in Pakistan and help improve livelihoods.

Pakistan Energy Minister Hammad Azhar said that southern Pakistan has access to more energy than northern regions which face long-term power shortages.

The power transmission project connects the power grid of the two regions, which will improve the country's grid stability and transmission capacity.

The State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid) was responsible for construction of the project.

During the construction, the company provided nearly 7,000 jobs for local residents.

Many Pakistani employees acquired technical skills for different positions and obtained relevant professional skill certificates thanks to their working experience on the project. With the new skills they’ve gained, they will continue to contribute to other infrastructure construction projects in the country.

Nong Rong, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, said that construction of the CPEC has entered a new stage of high-quality development. The ±660 kV Matiari-Lahore DC transmission project is expected to help realize Pakistan's goal of a stable power supply and will be a foundation for its industrialization.

He also pointed out that 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan and said he believed that the two nations will deepen cooperation in the field of energy, which will meet Pakistan's increasing power demand and be of great benefit to its people.

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)