Over the past five years, the power system at Jiuquan Iron and Steel Group has undergone a dramatic transformation, according to Du Jun, chief technician and maintenance supervisor at Hongsheng Electric Heat Company. The company now operates 159 substations and more than 3,000 kilometers of transmission lines through centralized control.

Du, also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, said what once required around 800 workers on rotating shifts can now be managed by about 100 staff across four control centers, thanks to automation and more reliable equipment.

But automation has not replaced people; it has reshaped their roles. Many former operators have transitioned into equipment inspection, maintenance, and technical support after learning new skills. Even in the era of smarter systems and future intelligent upgrades, Du said, technology still relies on skilled people behind it.