Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-5
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: February 24, 2009
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Yao Xiaodong
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 12 * 12.5
Sheet composition: 12 (4 sets)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Liaoning Province Shenyang Posts and Telecommunications Printing House

On February 24, 2009, the special stamp "Power Grid Construction" (catalog number 2009-5) was officially issued, making it the first stamp set in New China dedicated to the theme of power grid development. The set consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Yao Xiaodong and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province using offset printing.

In the new century, China has vigorously advanced ultra-high-voltage (UHV) transmission projects, building a modern, interconnected national power grid. The stamps focus on three key aspects: technological innovation, backbone grid infrastructure, and public electricity access. They showcase UHV hub projects, interregional transmission lines, and the extension of power supply to urban and rural areas. The set highlights China's independent innovations in power infrastructure, documents the construction of a strong and smart grid, and underscores the critical role of the power industry in supporting national production, livelihoods, and balanced regional development, while raising public awareness of the significance of power infrastructure.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Technology Empowering the Grid

Image: A panoramic view of the 1000 kV Jingmen UHV substation, with flowing light beams and the State Grid logo in the background, using a blue color scheme to emphasize a modern technological feel.
History: The Jindongnan–Nanyang–Jingmen UHV AC pilot demonstration project was the world's first UHV AC line to enter commercial operation, marking China's entry into the world-leading ranks of transmission technology. As a key hub, the substation represents China's independent breakthroughs in power equipment and transmission technology.
Significance: A visual representation of the milestones in China's power grid technological innovation and UHV projects.

Strong Power Grid

Image: Large interregional transmission towers with multiple high-voltage lines extending in various directions, using warm orange-yellow tones to convey the grandeur of the project.
History: Through the construction of various ultra-high-voltage and UHV transmission towers, China has gradually built a backbone transmission network connecting the east and west, and the north and south, enabling the optimal allocation of energy resources and establishing a secure and stable national interconnected grid.
Significance: A portrayal of the achievements in building a modern and robust transmission backbone network.

Electricity for Every Household

Image: A glowing light bulb at the center, with urban buildings and rural homes below, illuminated with countless lights at night.
History: The national "Electricity for Every Household" project focused on providing electricity to remote mountainous and rural areas, bringing power to millions of homes. The design symbolizes how electricity empowers urban and rural development, improves livelihoods, and ensures shared benefits from development achievements.
Significance: A vivid expression of how grid construction serves public welfare and supports rural development.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format, with a three-stamp continuous layout on the large sheet, following a logical progression from technology to grid infrastructure to public welfare, with a consistent and cohesive style.
Color Scheme: Blue, orange, and purple gradients distinguish the three themes, creating distinct atmospheres for technological engineering, backbone networks, and urban-rural life.
Design Language: A modern realistic style combined with abstract light lines softens the industrial feel, balancing technical grandeur with human warmth.
Narrative Structure: The sequence moves from cutting-edge technology, to national transmission channels, and finally to public welfare, forming a complete narrative progression.

This stamp set is the first special issue in China dedicated to power grid development, focusing on the critical historical period of the early UHV projects, making it a rare topic in modern infrastructure-themed collections. Available in both stamp set and large sheet formats, it is suitable for thematic collections on energy engineering, infrastructure development, and industrial development, and can be collected together with other water conservancy and power-related stamps such as those for the Three Gorges Project and Huaihe River control.