Chongqing - At a press briefing on September 22, Wang Zuxun, director of the Chongqing Municipal Energy Bureau, highlighted the city’s energy security achievements during the summer of 2025. Despite record-high electricity demand exceeding 30 million kilowatts during two heatwaves, recent energy infrastructure improvements ensured no power shortages.
What’s the secret behind Chongqing, one of China’s industrial powerhouses, securing a reliable and sustainable power supply?
Staff of State Grid Chongqing UHV conduct infrared temperature measurement on equipment at the ±800kV Yubei Converter Station. (Photo/Li Tao)
The city’s strategy combines external power imports with local generation. By strengthening its grid connections with neighboring provinces like Sichuan and Hubei, Chongqing has enhanced energy sharing, making the system more flexible and efficient.
For example, two major projects, the Hami-Chongqing ultra-high voltage direct current (UHV DC) power transmission project and the Sichuan-Chongqing UHV DC lines, were launched as part of China's national 14th Five-Year Plan. These projects have significantly improved the city's capacity to import and manage electricity, with external power now accounting for about one-third of the city's peak demand, reaching 10 million kilowatts.
The Hami-Chongqing ultra-high voltage direct current (UHV DC) power transmission project was launched on June 10, 2025. This line delivers up to 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per day. This project also allows Chongqing to tap into renewable energy resources from Xinjiang, including wind and solar power, to meet the rising demand, significantly improving the city's green energy supply.
As part of its energy security strategy, Chongqing has invested in expanding local energy generation, with plans for over 10 million kilowatts of new capacity. This includes a mix of coal, gas, and renewable sources. The city has already completed several major projects, including a 1.97-million-kilowatt gas-electric conversion plant and a 1.56-million-kilowatt electrochemical energy storage facility.
Zhang Jie, deputy general manager of State Grid Chongqing Electric Power, shared insights into the city's ongoing grid upgrades. He revealed that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing invested 58.2 billion yuan (about 8.2 billion U.S. dollars) in its power grid, marking a 39.9% increase from the previous period.
Chongqing is also embracing digital technology to boost its energy infrastructure. The city has launched its first provincial-level virtual power plant, which uses Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and AI to coordinate distributed energy resources. This platform optimizes energy usage, balances supply and demand, and enhances grid efficiency.
In addition, the city has equipped its grid with 45,000 smart inspection devices and 1,442 drones, which significantly improve the speed and accuracy of maintenance operations.
In terms of energy diversification, Chongqing has made substantial progress in renewable energy development. The city has been particularly focused on wind and solar power, with a significant increase in the installation of wind and solar generation capacity, which now accounts for 50% of all new power installations during the 14th Five-Year Plan. As of 2025, the total installed capacity for clean energy has surpassed 2,000 megawatts.
By integrating clean energy into various sectors, including transportation and construction, Chongqing is making significant strides in sustainability. With over 800,000 electric vehicles on the roads, the city is promoting green transportation while also developing the Chengdu-Chongqing Hydrogen Corridor to further advance its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.