Xinjiang, key sending hub in China's west-to-east power transmission program

Staff members work at the main control room at the Barkol converter station, the sending end of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project, in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 10, 2025.

Xinjiang is a key sending hub in China's west-to-east power transmission program.

Once considered economic obstacles, Xinjiang's vast deserts and arid landscapes have been transformed into a renewable energy goldmine, blessed with strong wind and long hours of sunshine.

Since 2010, Xinjiang has cumulatively transmitted over 900 billion kilowatt-hours of power outside the region, with renewable energy accounting for approximately 30 percent of the total. The electricity supply coverage extends to 22 provincial-level regions across China. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

A drone photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 22, 2025 shows a power plant of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 1, 2023 shows a convertor station of the Hami-Zhengzhou ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Feng Yang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 23, 2025 shows a solar power station of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows a view of the Santanghu wind power farm in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows the power lines of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yang Yingzhou/Xinhua)

This photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows power lines of the Changji-Guquan ±1100 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in the Kazak Autonomous County of Mori, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Zhang Limin/Xinhua)

A staff member checks the cables of the Hami-Chongqing ±800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current power transmission project in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 19, 2025. (Photo by Du Jinming/Xinhua)

Staff members patrol along the power lines of the 750 kV grid around the Tarim Basin in Yuli County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)