North China's Hebei Province is to invest more than 40 billion yuan (about US$5 billion) to rebuild its electricity grid during the 11th Five-Year Guidelines period (2006-2010).

 

The investment doubles the funds on electricity grid reconstruction during the 10th Five-Year Guidelines period (2001-2005). Meanwhile, the electricity generation ability will double from 12.77 million kilowatt to 27.45 million kilowatt.

 

During the period, the number of 500-kilovolt transformer substations will increase from the current 6 to 14, which will be able to transfer 20.75 million kilovolts of electricity per year.

 

In addition, the number of 220-kilovolt transformer substations will increase from the current 76 to 142, which will be able to transfer 42.63 million kilovolt electricity per year.

 

The province has also made a long-term plan for electricity grid reconstruction using a variety of operating energy resources such as coal, natural gas and water.

 

By 2010, the province's electricity grid will reach a total length of 11,625 km, consisting of 2,503 km long 500-kilovolt wire and 9,122 km 220-kilovolt wire. It will produce enough electricity for all cities and villages across the province.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2006)