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

China is seeking private capital for two major ultra-high-voltage power line projects worth a combined 55.7 billion yuan ($7.1B), marking the first such schemes to open to non-state funding. The lines, stretching nearly 2,000km, are critical for channeling clean energy from western regions to eastern industrial hubs. This move aims to meet surging electricity demand driven by the artificial intelligence and electric vehicle sectors, with both projects scheduled for operation by end of 2028.