China facing regional power shortages

• 12 years ago (2012-04-07)
• Junior Isles

Asia 848

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China is facing the prospect of shortfalls in coal, power, oil and gas supplies in several regions, despite current energy markets being in balance, Liu Tienan, Director of the National Energy Administration has said.

He urged government departments to focus on China’s coal supplies and stockpiles, power generation, demand-side electricity management, and steady oil and gas supplies.

Liu did not give a specific forecast on when possible energy shortages might come, though the summer season seems most likely.

China Electricity Council (CEC), an association representing power firms, has forecast 10-20 GW power shortfalls before the peak summer season, which is equivalent to 1-2 per cent of China’s installed generation capacity.