China's fossil-fueled power generation in August rose to its highest level in decades

Data and records from the Statistics Bureau showed that China's fossil-fuelled electricity generation in August rose to its highest since at least 1998. This was to compensate for a fall in hydropower production to meet summer demands, according to data.

The rise in demand was a result of China's most extreme summer ever, which increased air conditioning use. This shows the country's dependence on fossil fuels for the spikes in demand caused by extreme weather, even though coal's share is declining.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, thermal power generation in August was 627.4 kilowathours (kWh), a 2% increase from a year ago.

China's thermal energy generation, despite a slight increase during the summer months was down by almost 1% in the first eight full months. Wind and solar power generation accounted for most of the demand growth. This means that China's thermal energy generation could be declining year-on-year, for the first decade.

Other areas of China are experiencing drought. The north of China has experienced its longest rainy period in over six decades, and the rice-growing region along the Yangtze River was flooded by unprecedented rainfall.

This led to hydropower volume falling 10% in August, and 6% for the first eight-month period compared to a year ago.

According to a forecast made by the China Electricity Council in August, China's total electricity demand will grow between 4.5 and 5% this year.

According to the NBS, China generated 936 billion kWh in power in August. This is a 2% increase compared to last year's same month.

NBS figures tend to underestimate total generation, especially from renewables. This is because they only include firms that generate revenues from their primary operations of at least 20,000,000 yuan.

National Energy Administration will release more detailed data later this month.

The data showed that the total power generated in the first eight-month period was 6.42 trillion kWh. This is 2% more than the same time last year. Colleen howe reported; Sonali Paul edited.

(source: Reuters)