The primary reason for using ultra-high voltages is to transmit a massive amount of power over an extremely long distance with minimal energy loss. The power loss in a transmission line is directly proportional to the square of the current (Ploss=I2R). By increasing the voltage, the current can be dramatically reduced for the same amount of power delivered, leading to a significant decrease in energy lost as heat.

Using UHV technology allows for:

• Higher Capacity: A single UHV line can transfer as much power as several lower-voltage lines, reducing the need for multiple corridors and minimizing land use.

• Greater Efficiency: UHV lines have significantly lower line losses, with reductions of up to 75% compared to EHV (Extra-High Voltage, 500-765 kV) lines.

• Long-Distance Transmission: UHVDC is particularly effective for transmitting power over thousands of kilometers, making it ideal for connecting remote renewable energy sources (like solar and wind farms in western China) to major load centers in the east.