The Butuo Converter Station, part of the Baihetan Hydropower project, addresses China’s need for clean energy by efficiently transferring renewable electricity over 2,000 kilometers to eastern cities. As the largest ultra-high voltage converter station globally, this innovative project, led by Southwest Electric Power Design Institute, employs a range of Bentley products. The organization explored digital twin technology, AI, and 3D/4D modeling to enhance planning, design, and construction efficiency.

Digital tools such as MicroStation and ProjectWise enabled multidiscipline collaboration, optimized site selection, and visualized project stages, reducing project time and cutting material waste. The “three stations in one” design saves in total 10 hectares of land and annually 27 million tons of coal, preventing 49.48 million tons of CO₂ emissions. This groundbreaking project not only supports China’s economic development by meeting 75 million people’s energy needs, but also aligns with sustainability goals by conserving resources, reducing emissions, and fostering local job creation.