In the face of peak summer demand and soaring temperatures, China is putting all efforts into safeguarding energy and power security.
During a policy briefing held by the State Council on July 26, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission, Ou Hong, highlighted the significant pressure on energy and power security due to economic recovery combined with early and widespread high temperatures this summer, leading to a rapid surge in electricity demand. As a result, the national daily electricity generation and usage have reached historical highs.
To meet this challenge, the National Development and Reform Commission, along with relevant agencies, had started planning for energy and power security since April. Measures were implemented to ensure a stable power supply, including preparing provincial power supply plans for peak summer demand, enhancing regional responsibilities, boosting coal stockpiles, stabilizing coal-fired power generation, developing inter-provincial power dispatch plans, and strengthening load management strategies.
Up to the present time, China’s power supply has remained stable and orderly, effectively meeting the electricity needs of both residents and key industries. Daily dispatched electricity generation has reached a historical high of 301.71 billion kWh, surpassing last year’s peak by 1.511 billion kWh. The highest national power consumption also achieved a historical high of 1.339 billion kWh, an increase of 49.5 million kWh compared to last year. The national coal reserve stands at 198 million tons, offering nearly 26 days of supply, and natural gas power generation has supported peak power demand with over 250 million cubic meters of daily gas usage.
Regarding power construction, Liu Mingyang, spokesperson for the National Energy Administration, stated that strategic power projects were well ahead of schedule, with around 140 million kilowatts of power sources commissioned and connected to the grid during the first half of the year, including approximately 30 million kilowatts of supportable power sources.
Despite the challenges posed by reduced hydropower output, the National Development and Reform Commission has adopted targeted measures to tackle the situation. These measures include optimizing water storage in key regions, promoting complementary power generation from thermal and new energy sources, and enhancing the synergy of regional power grids.
Looking ahead, China’s energy authorities are prepared for the potential challenges posed by extreme heatwaves in August, which might lead to further electricity consumption. Efforts will be made to ensure stable power supply by closely monitoring coal reserves, maximizing supportive power generation from thermal, nuclear, and hydropower sources, and optimizing electricity sharing between provinces and regions.
The focus is on safeguarding energy and power security during this crucial period, with a firm commitment to protecting citizens’ essential power needs.