BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The State Grid Corporation of China has initiated operations for the ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission project that connects Hami in eastern Xinjiang with Chongqing Municipality in southwest China.

This project represents China's third significant endeavor aimed at transmitting electricity from the energy-abundant Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to various regions across the nation.

The transmission line covers an impressive distance of 2,260 kilometers and is backed by an installed power capacity of 14.2 million kilowatts, with 10.2 million kilowatts stemming from renewable energy sources, including wind, solar photovoltaic, and solar thermal energy. Remarkably, new energy sources account for over 70 percent of this total capacity.

As a pivotal sending hub within China's west-to-east power transmission initiative, Xinjiang is poised to contribute significantly to energy distribution. The new line is projected to supply more than 36 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to Chongqing's power load center, thereby significantly bolstering the region's energy supply capabilities.

In addition to enhancing energy security, the initiative is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in both Xinjiang and Chongqing, promote regional coordinated development, support rural revitalization efforts, and improve public welfare, as stated by the corporation.

Currently, the State Grid Corporation operates the world’s largest ultra-high-voltage transmission network, which plays a crucial role in ensuring a secure and reliable power supply while advancing initiatives for green and low-carbon development.