The Sichuan-Tibet power grid has officially begun a trial operation. The Lancang River Substation in Chamdo Prefecture in east Tibet was connected to the Batang Substation in Sichuan Province on Oct. 27, signifying that power entered Tibet from Sichuan, according to chinatibetnews.

The Sichuan-Tibet Power Grid trial operation kicked off on Oct. 25. The first inspection phase has already been completed. Power transmission runs at about 500 kilometers from Bandang Substation to Chamdo Substation.

The aim of the trial operation is to test the project’s safety, according to head of the State Power Grid Power Supply Co, Ltd. “The charging process was completed on Oct 27 and was successful.”

It is reported that three substations have been built in Chamdo, namely the 550-kilowatt Chamdo Lancang Substation, the 220-kilowatt Bangda Substation and the 220-kilowatt Yulong Substation. The Yulong Substation will begin operations on Nov.4. By then the entire Sichuan-Tibet Power Grid will be put into trial operation.

The Sichuan-Tibet Power Grid starts from Garze in Sichuan in the east, and ends in Chamdo in the west with a total length of 1,521 kilometers. It is one of the most difficult power grid projects in terms of construction in the world. After its completion, the shortage of power will be eased in Chamdo and Garze, enhancing the economic and social development of the Tibet Autonomous Region.