Virus shutdowns cause Malaysian coal-fired generation to fall

• 6 years ago (2020-03-24)
• David Flin

Asia 1013 Coal 359

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Power demand in Malaysia has fallen sharply over the past week due to business closures intended to slow the spread of coronavirus. Coal-fired generation makes up most of the reduction.

Coal-fired generation averaged 7.1GW on 23 March, down from 11GW a week earlier. Gas-fired generation went down to 3GW from 5.7GW over the same period.

The Malaysian Government introduced a two-week control order from 18 March to restrict population movements, closing all schools and social gatherings and most businesses. Only companies providing essential services in the water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, transport, oil, petrol, safety and defence sectors can remain open.

Total power demand on 23 March averaged 10.5GW, down from 16.6GW a week earlier.