Focusing on breakthroughs in core UHV technologies, Shenyang is accelerating the development of a UHV industrial cluster characterized by collaboration among leading chain enterprises and supporting firms. Leveraging technological innovation and digital transformation, upstream and downstream companies within the region are pooling their strengths to achieve cluster-based growth, with their products expanding beyond China’s borders and gaining entry into international markets.
　　 Breaking Through Core Technologies to Upgrade Industries
　　As a next-generation DC transmission technology, flexible DC transmission has become a key enabler for China’s development of a new power system due to its superior transmission performance and robust adaptability.
　　Recently, in the workshop of TBEA Shenyang Transformer Co., Ltd., a transformer currently under assembly is slated for use in the Saudi Central-Southern HVDC transmission project—a ±500 kV flexible DC converter transformer—and will provide a Chinese solution to support the region’s low-carbon transition.
　　“This is a DC project independently developed by Shenbian Company and exported to Saudi Arabia. The product features a unidirectional three-column design, making it one of our plant’s transformers with the largest single-column capacity,” said Zhang Hong, chief designer of the Design Department at TBEA Shenbian Company.
　　To date, Shenyang Transformer Co., Ltd. has cumulatively developed 176 new products and has been awarded six National Science and Technology Progress Awards. The company has also delivered turnkey green grid construction projects to more than 30 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Leveraging its cutting-edge products and technologies, Shenyang Transformer is attracting supporting enterprises to establish operations in Shenyang, fostering collaborative development and joint international expansion.
　　 Synergistic Collaboration in Industrial Clusters Generates a Multiplier Effect
　　“The concentrated clustering of upstream and downstream enterprises has reduced procurement, logistics, and production costs for raw materials, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Through technology sharing and joint R&D, companies have accelerated technological innovation and product upgrades. Meanwhile, the formation of regional industrial clusters has strengthened our industry’s voice and market competitiveness,” said Li Wei, Head of the Supply Chain Management Department at TBEA Shenyang Transformer Co., Ltd.
　　Leading enterprises in the industrial chain are making all-out efforts to master core technologies, while supporting firms focus on specialized development in the hardware sector; currently, about 70% of TBEA Shenyang Transformer Co., Ltd.’s output value is derived from external procurement. Centered around these leading firms, a cluster of high-quality supporting enterprises has emerged in the surrounding area, with Shenyang Hongyuan Electromagnetic Wire Co., Ltd. serving as a prominent representative in the electromagnetic wire industry.
　　Recently, a reporter visited the Hongyuan Electromagnetic Wire Workshop, where coils of electromagnetic wire in various models are neatly arranged. According to the introduction, these seemingly ordinary copper wires are the “blood vessels” of ultra-high-voltage transformers: each one can withstand voltages as high as one million volts and remain completely stable even in extreme cold down to minus 60 degrees Celsius. Ten years ago, such high-end electronic wires were entirely dependent on imports, with prices so steep they were quoted by the meter; today, however, some of the conductors used in the ±1,100-kilovolt DC converter transformers manufactured here have already broken foreign monopolies.
　　Chai Na, head of product development at the electromagnetic wire workshop, told reporters that over the years Hongyuan Company has continuously innovated and developed solutions to enhance the short-circuit withstand capability and operational reliability of transformers, and now holds more than 80 national patents. Meanwhile, with the rapid growth of the new-energy vehicle sector, the company has undertaken further technological breakthroughs in electromagnetic wire, developing a specialized wire for 800V drive motors used in new-energy vehicles. This has diversified the company’s product portfolio and opened up a new market segment.
　　 Global Deployment to Establish the “China Solution” Brand
　　At the Emerging Industry Park in Shenyang’s Hunnan District, Shenyang Haiwei Power Equipment Co., Ltd. is stepping up production of metal corrugated expansion oil conservators for ultra-high-voltage transformers—key components that significantly enhance the safety and stability of transformer operation. In March of this year, the company’s latest R&D breakthrough entered formal mass production, and orders are already booked through the third quarter.
　　Shao Baijiang, the company’s head, told reporters that Haiwei Power holds a market share of over 50% in its industry. In several key sectors—such as State Grid Corporation’s UHV projects, national nuclear power projects, and China’s high-speed rail initiatives—the company’s share generally exceeds 80%, with its products accounting for the entire supply in UHV projects. To date, Haiwei Power has been deeply involved in numerous national priority projects, and as a “little giant” enterprise, it continues to serve as a critical pillar of the industry.
　　Liaoning’s ultra-high-voltage industry cluster, driven by close collaboration among upstream and downstream enterprises, is transitioning from single-product manufacturing to end-to-end supply-chain integration and from local component sourcing to global export.
　　Zhang Hong, chief designer of the Design Department at TBEA Shenyang Transformer Co., Ltd., stated that the company will continue to focus on product innovation, drive the overall upgrade of the regional industrial chain, and help China’s power transmission and transformation industry develop stronger cluster competitiveness.
　　Shao Baijiang, head of Haiwei Power, stated that the company will continue to enhance its product competitiveness through technological innovation and provide higher-quality services for major national projects.
　　Yang Xuching, Chairman of Hongyuan, believes that the transformer industry is currently at a peak both internationally and domestically. Companies should seize this opportunity by consolidating their domestic foothold while expanding overseas to broaden their presence in international markets.

　　Reporter Huang Chao, Shenyang Daily and Shenbao All-Media