DWINDLING coal stocks in power plants threaten normal power supplies in parts of China, domestic media reported over the weekend, after the government warned of energy shortages due to demand and weather factors.
Coal inventories in thermal power plants covered by the central China grid had fallen sharply in the past weeks, some generators had been shut down on coal shortages, and coal stock at 14 major power plants in Shaaxi Province was below the levels required for five days of electricity generation, Chinese-language newspapers reported yesterday.
Coal stocks in power plants connected to the grid that covers Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Henan, Chongqing and Sichuan regions totaled 13.45 million tons as of Dec. 13, enough for 15 days of generation.
But considering demand growth and the current supply situation, coal stocks could fall to 10 million tons by the end of this year, domestic reports said last week, citing a forecast from the grid firm.
At least 4.7 gigawatts of power generators in Henan Province alone had been shut down due to a lack of coal while power rationing had been introduced in Chongqing since Dec. 2 due to coal shortages, the reports said. Rising power demand, high coal prices, bad coal quality were among the reasons leading to fast declines in coal stockpiles, the reports said.
The National Development and Reform Commission has urged authorities at every level to take effective steps to prevent coal, oil, gas or power shortages. (SD-Agencies)
