Authorities in Zhejiang recently announced a plan to invest 27.45 billion yuan ($3.99 billion) in the construction of power grid networks in 2023.

The investment will focus on constructing major projects, optimizing the power structure and supporting the province's economic and social development.

As part of the initiative, Zhejiang aims to construct 3,918.6 kilometers of power transmission lines at or above 110 kV (kilovolt), adding 22.923 million kVA (kilovolt-amps) of substation capacity. The province will also put into operation 2,383.9 kilometers of power transmission lines at or above 110 kV, and install substations with a capacity of 18.01 million kVA.

In 2022, Zhejiang consumed a total of 579,935 million kWh (kilowatt hour) of power. Residential electricity use totaled for 90,739 million kWh, a 22.46 percent increase compared to the previous year.

To meet the increasing demand for power, the State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co Ltd plans to accelerate the preliminary work for transmitting electricity from Gansu province into Zhejiang, and build a ultra-high voltage AC Power Grid in the province in 2023.

The grid network construction is expected to ensure a stable power supply for major projects in Zhejiang province, including the launch of major petrochemical and transportation projects such as Yongjin Railway, the Hangzhou-Wenzhou Railway, and the Hangzhou-Quzhou Railway.

The Zhejiang Electric Power will continue to support new energy projects and accelerate the province's construction of the new energy system. To support clean energy projects, the province will begin construction and operation of two 220kV power transmission projects in 2023.