- China aims to expand its west-to-east electricity transmission network to exceed 420 GW by 2030, in order to meet rapidly rising electricity demand and ensure national energy security.
- The share of renewable energy in total electricity generation is expected to reach about 30% by 2030, reflecting a green transition strategy parallel to capacity expansion.
- According to new guidelines from the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, China will add approximately 40 GW of inter-provincial transmission capacity by 2030.
- The west-to-east power transmission project is estimated to reach over 340 GW by the end of 2025, a 25% increase compared to the 270 GW level at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period.
- These policies are issued in the context of forecast strong growth in electricity demand due to increasingly fierce global competition in AI and high-tech manufacturing sectors.
- China also sets a target for the power grid to absorb 900 GW of distributed renewable energy by 2030, while supporting over 40 million electric vehicle charging stations.
- By 2035, the backbone grid system will be fully synchronized with distribution grids and smart microgrids, featuring a higher level of digitization and intelligent management.
- AI and digital tools are identified as key technologies to modernize grid operations, enhance safety monitoring, risk governance, and emergency response capabilities.
- As of the end of November, China’s total installed power capacity reached 3,794 GW, an increase of 17.1% compared to the same period last year.
📌 The strategy to expand west-to-east power transmission shows that China is preparing large-scale energy infrastructure to serve a new wave of growth led by AI and high-tech manufacturing. With targets of over 420 GW in transmission, 900 GW in renewable energy, and tens of millions of charging stations, Beijing is pursuing both energy security and a green transition. This reflects the deepening dependence of technological ambitions on a stable and modern power foundation.
