BEIJING: Muhammad Talha, a supervisor at the ±660kV Matiari-Lahore high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project, is among 11 Pakistani engineers who recently completed a technical training program at China’s State Grid Technical College in Tai’an city, Shandong province.
The programme, held under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at skill development and providing insights into Chinese culture.
Talha expressed his excitement about the training, emphasizing the valuable experience gained in both technical knowledge and cultural exposure. The comprehensive program, spanning 47 professional courses, covered aspects like converter station equipment inspection, direct current power adjustment, and operation and maintenance of converter stations.
The Matiari-Lahore HVDC project, Pakistan’s first of its kind under CPEC, officially commenced operations in September 2021. With a maximum capacity to transmit 35 billion kilowatt-hours annually, the project has significantly reduced power loss along the 886 km-long transmission line.
The training participants visited ultra-high voltage (UHV) converter stations in various Chinese cities, providing them with insights into China’s world-leading UHV technology. Talha praised China’s impressive power construction achievements, emphasizing the potential for mutual learning between the two countries.
Rana Shaheer Mehmood, another supervisor on the project, highlighted that the technical learning experience strengthens the deep-bonded relationship between China and Pakistan. He emphasized that continued cooperation through CPEC would contribute to a brighter future for Pakistan.
Liu Hao, a lecturer in the training program, noted that since June 2020, the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) has trained over 120 Pakistani technical personnel in direct current transmission through online and on-site programs. Pakistani engineers have gained independence in around 173 types of HVDC transmission operations, becoming a major force in the project’s operation and maintenance.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initiated in 2013, serves as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. It links the Gwadar port in Pakistan with Kashgar in China, focusing on energy, transport, and industrial cooperation. Talha sees CPEC as a significant venture with the potential to boost economic development, job creation, and regional connectivity. He pledged to utilize his knowledge to enhance the operation of the grid in Pakistan and train other engineers for the country’s benefit.
