The World's Highest UHV Transmission Tower [Photo by Shenqiao]

Recently, the highest transmission tower of the entire line of the ± 800 kV UHV direct current transmission project from Jinshang to Hubei of State Grid Corporation of China has been assembled and completed in Sichuan. The tower is located on the Sezhuma Mountain in Deda Township, Batang County, Ganzi Prefecture, with an elevation of 4797.9 meters, which is the highest UHV transmission tower in the world.

The UHVDC transmission line from Jinshang to Hubei ± 800 kV is 1901 kilometers long, passing through Xizang, Sichuan, Chongqing and Hubei provinces (cities, autonomous regions). After the completion of the project, it can transmit nearly 40 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which will play an important role in meeting the reliable supply of electricity.

The area where the highest transmission tower is located along the entire line of the project has sparse vegetation, thin air, and a cold and complex climate. It often experiences sudden heavy snowfall, making on-site construction difficult. Faced with the multiple tests of regional blank area, technological innovation area and construction no-man's land, State Grid Sichuan Electric Power Company has organized the participating units to re-survey the site for many times, and repeatedly arranged the construction strength of site operators and the efficiency of mechanical equipment, so as to minimize the impact of high altitude on construction efficiency.