Development of high voltage and high power technology in China from 1949 to 2003

This paper describes the rapid development in the electrical power apparatus industry experienced in China between 1949 and 2003. Prior to 1949, the installed capacity in China was less than 2,000 MW. By the end of 2003, however, the capacity was about 384,000 MW. This shows an increase in power by over 2000 times. In the 1990s, China built many high voltage and high power laboratories. This paper reviews these major laboratories.