Guangxi Nanning 500kV power transmission and transformation Project
Organization: China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd.
Project Name: Application of GIS+BIM Digital Intelligence Technology to the Entire Lifecycle of China Southern Power Grid’s
Location: Nanning City, Guangxi, China
Project Phase: Completed and Operational
Expected Completion Date: Project completed on December 3, 2023
Estimated Project Cost: CNY 660 million
Bentley Software: Bentley LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenRoads, OpenBuildings Designer, OpenUtilities, ProjectWise, ProStructures, SYNCHRO
Project
The Guangxi Nanning 500kV power transmission and transformation project, led by China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd., is a strategic infrastructure initiative located in Yongning District, Nanning, China. With a total investment of CNY 660 million, the project plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of Wuxiang New District, the China (Guangxi) Free Trade Zone, and the ASEAN Information Port. It aims to optimize the regional power grid structure, improve supply reliability, and accelerate the construction of a world-class smart grid.
To achieve these goals, the design team adopted a full-lifecycle GIS and BIM digital intelligence strategy. This included drone-based terrain modeling, geological 3D analysis, and multi-disciplinary collaborative design. Bentley’s software enabled precise site selection, efficient substation layout, and seamless coordination across teams. The project also introduced virtual reality visualization, 4D construction planning, and cloud-based management systems, laying the foundation for future digital twin applications and improved decision-making.
Facts
- The project had CNY 660 million in total investment
- BIM collaborative design reduced design time by 10% and verification time by 15%
- Finite element modeling saved 10% in steel consumption
- Collision detection resolved 85 issues, reducing rework-related changes by 91.8%
- Optimized land use saved 1.4 hectares of construction space
"By virtue of the visibility provided by Bentley’s BIM technologies, the design intention is more clearly expressed to allow communication about project implementation smoother, and the [technologies are] used to fully optimize the design plan. The synergy of Bentley’s BIM technologies is also utilized to improve the collaboration efficiency and change speed of various design disciplines. Meanwhile, the problems of coordination among various disciplines are discovered and dealt with in advance, thus significantly improving project quality and construction efficiency."
Solution
To overcome the limitations of traditional 2D design tools, the project team adopted a suite of digital solutions from Bentley to address the complex engineering challenges of the project. The team began with drone-based photography to generate terrain models, enabling precise site selection and earthwork calculations. GeoStation, developed on the MicroStation platform, was used to build geological 3D models based on drilling data, allowing intuitive predictions of subsurface conditions and supporting foundation design.
ProjectWise facilitated seamless collaboration across disciplines, enabling real-time updates and parallel design workflows. Structural BIM models were integrated with finite element analysis tools to optimize reinforcement layouts and accelerate construction. OpenRoads was used to generate parametric road and site models, while excavation and fill volumes were calculated to support efficient planning. A GIS platform was built to integrate model data with geospatial information, enabling large-scale visualization and analysis.
The team also implemented virtual reality, 4D construction simulation, and cloud-based project management systems. These innovations allowed stakeholders to access models and data via mobile and web platforms, improving communication and decision-making. Digital delivery followed the GIM format, ensuring compatibility with power grid standards and enabling future digital twin applications. The collaborative models were finalized and solidified in ProjectWise, then released as iModels for reuse in construction and operations. This comprehensive digital strategy significantly improved design accuracy, reduced rework, and enhanced overall project efficiency.
Outcome
The successful commissioning of the substation project formed a “quadruple support” relationship with three existing substations, completing Nanning’s 500-kilovolt ring network. This strengthens the power supply for Wuxiang New District and supports Nanning’s vision as a regional international city. Bentley’s BIM and GIS tools reduced design time by 10%, verification by 15%, and steel use by 10%. Collision detection resolved 85 issues, cutting rework by 91.8%. BIM-driven planning saved 1.4 hectares of land. The project also enhances clean energy transmission and supports full consumption of renewables through optimized grid structure and intelligent control systems.
Software
- Bentley LumenRT
- MicroStation
- OpenRoads
- OpenBuildings Designer
- OpenUtilities
- ProjectWise
- ProStructures
- SYNCHRO
Bentley software worked in unison to streamline terrain modeling, geological analysis, design coordination, and construction planning, enabling China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute to deliver a fully digital, efficient, and future-ready 500-kilovolt power transmission project.
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