Chinese power line projects seek private capital in sign of infrastructure shift

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Xinyi WuFebruary 13, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Several Chinese local governments are seeking private investment for two major ultra-high-voltage power line projects, marking a shift towards non-state funding for infrastructure. This follows a directive from Beijing last November encouraging private capital involvement. The power lines aim to transmit clean energy from western regions to eastern industrial hubs to meet climate goals and rising electricity demand. One project, costing 31.1 billion yuan (US$4.5 billion), will run from Xinjiang to Sichuan and Chongqing, while another, costing 24.6 billion yuan, will connect Gansu to Sichuan. The projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, with the State Grid Corporation of China also participating.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 50% Mianyang 60% Qinghai Province 60% Gansu Province ×270% Sichuan Province ×270% Chongqing ×270% Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region ×270% State Grid Corporation of China 80% China ×490%

Keywords

power line projects 100% private capital 90% infrastructure 80% ultra-high-voltage 70% state grid corporation 60% clean energy 60% electric vehicle 50% climate goals 50% energy sector 50% artificial intelligence 40%