China July power output up by11.5 per cent

• 13 years ago (2010-08-11)
• David Flin

Asia 859 Nuclear 643 Renewables 757

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According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China’s power generation increased in July by 11.5 per cent from the equivalent figure a year earlier, reaching a record 377.64 TWh, as demand peaked amid scorching temperatures in many parts of the country.

The NBS data only tallied output from larger power plants that sell electricity to the grid, and generally does not include electricity generated but not sold to the grid. As a result, these figures differ from those produced by the National Energy Administration (NEA), which also include values for line losses. The NEA figures are due to be released soon.

The growth rate, similar to the June level, was largely in line with the growth pattern of recent years, following unusually strong growth rates from October 2009 to May 2010, reflecting the effect of the global economic downturn.

Slower demand growth in energy-intensive sectors have also contributed to the moderation, as China clamped down on heavy industry as part of its attempt to lower energy intensity.

Output from thermal power plants increased 7.5 per cent in July from a year earlier, but production from hydropower stations surged 26.6 per cent due to better water levels. Electricity output from wind farms, a minor source compared with thermal and hydro plants, rose 37.7 per cent to 2.41 TWh, amounting to nearly 38 per cent of the generation levels of nuclear plants in China.