Countdown to Securing the "First Batch Grid Connection" — A Behind-the-Scenes Account of the Shanyang Photovoltaic Power Project's Final Push


Countdown to Securing the "First Batch Grid Connection" — A Behind-the-Scenes Account of the Shanyang Photovoltaic Power Project's Final Sprint

□ Group Office

On September 26, early autumn in Shanyang Town, Baoying County, Yangzhou, already carried a slight chill. Along the lakeside village of the town, a sprawling 700-mu expanse of interconnected ponds now glows with an ethereal blue light from its burgeoning photovoltaic array. Yet unlike before, the usual hustle and bustle at the construction site is gradually giving way to a methodical yet intense energy. With just over 30 days remaining until the critical milestone of "connecting the first batch of photovoltaic arrays to the grid on October 30," the construction site of Jinhe Photovoltaic Branch's company—China's first flexible-rack, fishery-integrated photovoltaic project—is already entering its final, high-stakes countdown phase.

Full-Line Sprint: Accelerating the Transformation from "Construction Blueprints" to "Real-World Scenes"

Walking through the project areas in Yanhu Village and Zhongnan Village, the once-deafening roar of pile drivers has been replaced by the busy figures assembling components. "As of September 25, pile foundation work in both Yanhu and Zhongnan Villages has been fully completed, with over 95% of the supporting structures already installed. Meanwhile, component laying is now in full swing, bringing the overall project progress close to 85%," said Huang Chunlei, the project construction manager. His walkie-talkie occasionally crackles with updates as teams coordinate progress across different work sites.

The "heart" of the project—the 110kV step-up substation—is truly the key to securing victory. Transformers and energy storage equipment are nearly in place, and the main structures, such as the operation and maintenance building and warehouses, have already been topped off. Work is now set to begin on tasks like exterior wall painting. "All major equipment in the step-up substation—including GIS, SVG, and packaged substations—has largely completed installation and wiring. We can confidently ensure that all equipment installation and commissioning will be finished by October 10, leaving ample time for subsequent grid-connection tests."

All of this points toward the single goal: connecting to the grid on schedule!

Empowering with Wisdom: The "Water Town Philosophy" of Flexible Brackets and Triple-Lock Wind Resistance

The unique aspect of this project lies in its seamless integration with the water-town landscape of northern Jiangsu. In the construction area along the lakeside village, the flexible support system has already taken on its full form. Steel cables crisscross horizontally and vertically, while the modular components resemble sails, creating a vast "blue ocean" suspended above the fish ponds. "This is the optimal solution for tackling the unique terrain of these ponds!" Huang Chunlei exclaimed, pointing to the fully installed array. "The flexible支架 uses less steel yet spans remarkably wide areas, allowing aquaculture activities beneath to continue as usual. As a result, the reduction in fishery yields has been kept within 20%, truly achieving the ideal balance of 'fishing and solar power coexisting.' This innovative approach has brought double the benefits to the local villagers."

Meanwhile, beneath each photovoltaic panel, a more refined innovation is quietly safeguarding the array's safety—three-lock wind-resistant piles. Compared to the traditional two-lock design, this small yet significant improvement has dramatically enhanced the overall stability of the entire array. "The summer typhoons and winter cold winds in northern Jiangsu cannot be taken lightly," Huang Chunlei explained, pointing to the lower edge of the PV panels. "An extra lock means an added layer of protection—a promise we’re making to ensure the power station’s safety throughout its 25-year lifespan."

Final Assault: A Race Against Time, Delivery, and Land

The "last mile" that will determine the project's fate—its transmission line construction—is also about to enter its final stage of implementation. According to plans from State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd., the line construction is steadily advancing according to key milestones. "We maintain regular communication with the construction department of the power company," said Huang Chunlei. "The progress of the transmission project is a prerequisite for grid connection, so we must ensure seamless, two-way coordination to keep both internal and external timelines perfectly aligned—zero deviation."

"The successful grid connection of the first batch of photovoltaic arrays is within reach, yet the Guanghui Village site remains the project team's biggest concern. Despite the dedicated efforts of the village-level task force, some land transfer issues at specific pond areas have not been fully resolved, leaving nearly 50 MWp of capacity unable to commence construction."

“We’ve been making our utmost efforts, maintaining the highest level of communication with the government, village committees, and villagers.” Speaking about the Guanghui Village land plot, Huang Chunlei’s tone was filled with urgency. “For every parcel of land delivered, our design and construction teams immediately step in to ensure a ‘seamless transition,’ laying a solid foundation for the smooth integration of all subsequent photovoltaic arrays into the grid and their eventual power generation!”

In the lens of DJI drones, the Shanyang project, wind turbines, and vast fields of farmland paint a vivid picture of modern industry seamlessly blending with natural ecosystems. Just over a month from now, the flowing sunlight here will be transformed—thanks to these sophisticated devices and systems—into abundant green energy, powering its way into the national grid. This high-stakes battle against time is not only about staying on schedule but also serves as a powerful showcase of Jiangsu Qian'an's photovoltaic builders' cutting-edge technical expertise and unwavering determination to overcome challenges.

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