Shanghai, China’s largest economic center, is forging ahead in its quest to extraordinary development in the New Era.
As the city accelerates its progress toward becoming a world-class socialist modern international metropolis, State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, a subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China, is committed to ensuring a stable energy supply, advancing urban governance and enhancing quality of life for its residents.
Supporting the rapid development of Lin-gang Special Area
On September 5, the installation of the interior wall panels in the main control building of the 220-kilowatt Nicheng Substation in Shanghai was completed. The substation, located in the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, with a total capacity of 480,000 kilowatt-amperes, is scheduled for completion before the summer peak of 2025. The substation will address rising electricity demand in the region.
Employees of State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company conduct inspections of the transmission lines connected to the wind farm in the Lin-gang Special Area. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
In the past five years, the Lin-gang Special Area has experienced an average annual GDP growth of 19.8 percent, a 34.6 percent average annual increase in industrial output, and a remarkable 128.9 percent growth in offshore trade. Since its establishment in August 2019, the area has rapidly evolved into a significant center of growth.
State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company has been proactive in developing a world-class grid for Lin-gang, adhering to the highest supply standards. This year, four additional grid projects of 35 kV and above have been approved for the Special Area.
The company and the administration in Lin-gang have maintained a joint power conference system since the area’s inception, fostering joint development and implementation of power construction plans.
In July 2022, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement to further promote economic and social development in Lin-gang, providing a new boost for the region.
Since 2022, the company has been promoting the unified installation of electricity, water, gas, and network services to streamline processes for businesses in Lin-gang, while, in January of this year, the company and the local administration jointly established the New Power System Innovation Alliance.
Advancing urban power security with virtual power plants
As Shanghai’s economy grows, so does its demand for electricity. On August 1, daily electricity consumption exceeded 8 billion kilowatt-hours for the first time, while the following day, the city’s power load reached a record 40.3 million kilowatts. Shanghai’s power grid, characterized by high load density and significant peak-valley differences, necessitates innovative solutions for balance.
To address these challenges, State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company has turned to virtual power plants.
Since 2019, the company has been exploring virtual power plant operations, and this year, it prioritized “high-quality development of virtual power plants” as a key strategic initiative. The company has developed a multi-layered, adjustable resource pool to support flexible access and control. To date, 24 operators have connected 1,696 resources to Shanghai’s virtual power plants.
This summer, the company coordinated 32 demand response actions, achieving a peak load response of 704,300 kW – a record high.
Tailored power services for diverse customer needs
In response to the growing needs of residents, State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company has focused on enhancing infrastructure and service delivery. Electric bicycles, a common mode of transportation in Shanghai, have faced charging challenges due to inadequate facilities, leading some residents to adopt unsafe charging methods. In April, the city launched a campaign to improve the safety of electric bicycle charging facilities, a key initiative in its broader public safety efforts.
Employees of State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company install public charging stations to address the challenges faced by electric vehicle owners. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The Sinan community in the heart of Huangpu district is a typical example of a densely populated neighborhood, with over 1,180 households and nearly 500 electric bicycles. To address the charging issue, the company, in collaboration with local authorities, installed public charging outlets and shared charging cabinets. Completed in May, this initiative has significantly improved safety and convenience for residents, delivering nearly 20,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and completing over 7,000 battery swaps by the end of August.
In addition, since 2018, the State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company has been working with relevant government departments to support the installation of elevators in old residential communities. By relocating existing electrical facilities to create space and accelerating connection processes, the company completed power connections for 2,081 newly installed elevators in the first eight months of this year, bringing the total to 10,600.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
