China's UHV Grid Investment Critical for Renewable Energy Transition by 2030

China's ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission lines are vital for the country's clean energy goals but still heavily rely on coal. With a planned investment of approximately RMB 5 trillion (over USD 700 billion) by 2030, there's a crucial opportunity to enhance the renewable energy share in UHV lines. While UHV technology allows efficient long-distance power transmission, current policies may perpetuate coal dependency. New UHV lines must achieve at least 50% renewable energy by 2025, but ongoing investments in coal capacity at both ends of transmission highlight the need for policy shifts to fully unlock renewable potential.

Published Mar 26, 2026

China's UHV transmission lines, crucial for clean energy, risk locking in coal dependency. The country aims to invest RMB 5 trillion (USD 700 billion) in its power grid by 2030, with a goal of increasing renewable energy on UHV lines.

AI-curated by Theia

By the end of 2025, China plans to operate 45 UHV lines, totaling 52,300 km and a capacity of 300 GW, but only 20% of the electricity transmitted is from renewables. The 14th Five Year Plan mandates new UHV corridors to carry at least 50% renewable energy.

However, coal remains prevalent due to existing subsidies and market structures. Achieving a decarbonized UHV grid requires technological advancements and policy reforms to prioritize renewables over coal.