中老电力联网工程建设上演“高空芭蕾”

Core Viewpoint - The China-Laos 500 kV interconnection project is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact during construction [4][7]. Group 1: Project Overview - The project commenced construction on June 30, 2025, and is expected to be completed by 2026, facilitating a bi-directional power exchange of 1.5 million kilowatts and delivering approximately 30 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually [4]. - The construction faces challenges as it traverses extensive tropical rainforests and protected areas, which are critical habitats for Asian elephants and home to rare plant species [4][7]. Group 2: Environmental Considerations - The initial construction plan would have required over 30 kilometers of access roads and the felling of more than 30,000 trees, permanently occupying 103 acres of forest land [4][6]. - To protect the rainforest ecosystem, the project team decided to increase costs by approximately 10 million yuan to preserve the original rainforest area [6][7]. Group 3: Innovative Construction Techniques - The project employs an aerial transportation model, utilizing two Mi-171 helicopters and over 30 heavy-lift drones to transport materials, significantly reducing the need for ground access [9][10]. - The "four-machine joint lift" technology was developed to handle heavy loads, achieving a record of transporting over 500 kilograms and covering a vertical distance of 220 meters in a single day [9][11]. Group 4: Wildlife Protection Measures - Construction activities are carefully monitored to minimize disturbances to wildlife, with teams adjusting flight paths and speeds to avoid disrupting elephant herds [12][13]. - The project has successfully reduced construction disturbances by over 90%, with 88% of the work areas achieving "zero road access" [11].