China’s electricity load is expected to hit a record high this summer, with peak demand projected to rise by around 100 gigawatts year-on-year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Original By NLS
China’s electricity load is expected to hit a record high this summer, with peak demand projected to rise by around 100 gigawatts year-on-year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In preparation, the NDRC has worked with relevant departments to strengthen energy production, supply, storage, and distribution systems, aiming to boost overall power supply capacity.
“We’re continuing to expand generation capacity,” said Li Chao, Deputy Director of the NDRC General Office and spokesperson for the commission. “By the end of May, total installed power capacity nationwide reached 3.61 billion kilowatts, up 18.8% compared to a year earlier.”
Li added that ensuring efficient power transmission is just as critical as increasing generation. To that end, China is accelerating the development of cross-regional and interprovincial transmission infrastructure to ensure power can be delivered where it’s needed most during peak periods.
So far, efforts to manage rising demand during heatwaves appear to be effective. Power supply and demand this summer are expected to remain broadly balanced, with conditions improving over last year. To ensure reliable energy supply, the NDRC is ramping up coordination across the coal, power, oil, gas, and transport sectors through its inter-agency mechanism. Efforts include stabilizing coal and natural gas production and improving coordination across the supply chain—from mining to transport to end use—to meet fuel needs for power generation. Coal stockpiles at grid-connected power plants remain at healthy levels.
On the generation side, authorities are working to ensure that new power plants and grid projects are completed and come online as scheduled. At the same time, output from existing plants is being closely managed to maximize generation during peak demand hours, drawing on all available capacity to secure electricity supply.