China has successfully completed the verification for the world's first deep-earth grounding electrode, according to the state-owned China Southern Power Grid (CSG).
The success marks that China has independently mastered the technologies in the deep-earth grounding electrode, and also a breakthrough in the field of direct-current transmission.
A grounding electrode, a metallic conductor in direct contact with soil, is the passage of current into the earth and a vital part of direct-current transmission system.
Traditionally, grounding electrodes are horizontally arranged, covering an area of nearly one square kilometer, leading to difficulties in site selection or land acquisition, especially in economically-developed regions.
"This time, we make the horizontal grounding electrode vertical, going down into the earth one kilometer, which both largely saves land resources, and provides a more secure, reliable and environmental friendly operation mode," said Rao Hong, chief technical expert of CSG.
"It brings a new technical plan for the following direct-current project," Rao added.
The grounding electrode "plays a significant role in China's west-east electricity transmission project and can ensure the whole system's normal operation," said Cai Hansheng, a senior technical expert of CSG.