China's fossil fuelled power production fell 5.4% in September

Statistics Bureau data released on Monday showed that China's fossil fuelled power production fell by 5.4% in September compared to the same period last year as hydropower output soared.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the total thermal power production in September was 517.5 billion Kilowatt-hours.

This was also lower than the 627.4 kWh thermal output in August when it surged to its highest level in decades. The record-breaking temperatures of summer and reduced hydropower output were responsible for this increase.

China's thermal energy output has declined by 1.2% in the first nine-month period.

The September hydropower output was up 31.9% compared to the previous year.

The data reflects the output of industrial enterprises that have a revenue exceeding 20 million yuan (2,81 million dollars).

The data shows that China generated 826.2 billion kWh in September, an increase of 1.5% over the same period last year.

Due to the requirement for a minimum revenue, NBS figures tend to underestimate total generation, especially solar.

The National Energy Administration will release more detailed data later this month. Reporting by Colleen Waye, Editing by Christopher Cushing.

(source: Reuters)