China-Laos Railway's Power Supply Project Enters Operation Period

The China-Laos Railway opened to traffic on Dec 3, 2021, marking the beginning of the operation and maintenance stage of the railway's external power supply project.

Construction of the power supply project, which included a 936-kilometer power supply line and 2,220 towers, was completed on Aug 31 this year.

The project consists of two sections, one in China and the other in Laos. The former is funded and operated by Yunnan Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG-YNIC), a subsidiary of China Southern Power Grid (CSG), and the latter is funded and operated by Laos-China Power Investment Company (LCPC), a joint venture between CSG-YNIC and Electricite Du Laos (EDL).

Cultivating power technical management talents

The China-Laos Railway is the first international railway invested and built by China that adopts Chinese technical standards, uses China-made equipment and is directly connected to the Chinese railway network since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed in 2013.

It is expected to play a role in promoting Belt and Road Initiative, boosting implementation of more projects and improving livelihoods in affected areas.

While promoting economic and trade development, the China-Laos Railway and its associated power supply project will help improve electrical loads in affected areas.

The operator of the power project said that it was included in Yunnan's 10-year power grid plan at an early stage.

In addition to solid and reliable power grid structure, power talents were also crucial. During construction of the Lao section of the railway's power project, a large number of local employees were recruited and trained. That measure not only contributes to local employment but also helps cultivate power grid construction talents for the country.

The external power supply project will increase the added value of the railway to local economic and social development as it enters its operational period.

Huang Wengang, LCPC president and head of the project, said that a series of technical exchanges and talent training programs will be held while guaranteeing high-quality of the operation and maintenance of the China-Laos Railway external power supply.

He said that he hoped the project will not only introduce advanced technologies and experience to Laos, but also build an operation and maintenance management system with Lao characteristics to provide long-term and stable power supply for the China-Laos Railway.

Protecting local environment

The electric China-Laos Railway is green and low-carbon, as is its power supply project.

As more than half of the power transmission line is built through mountainous areas, many mature technologies had been applied to protect the environment.

According to Huang, a hilltop had to be removed to build a tower in the old days but with high and low-leg pylon building technology a tower can stand on the mountain without destroying plants.

After construction of the tower, builders also purchased local grass seeds to restore the original ecology.

What's more, the pylons are taller than traditional ones, which are about 60 to 80 meters. Their height reduces damage to the surrounding plants and preserves migration paths for animals.

(Executive editor: Niu Yilin)