Guangzhou (CNS) -- Tension over coal and water use in Southern China will last until 2012, with a power shortage of around 14 million kilowatts estimated in five provinces, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou and Hainan, according to the China Southern Power Grid (CSG) on Wednesday.
This year's water storage plan during flood season failed, leading to a predicted insufficiency of 10 to 15 million kilowatts in the first half of next year, reported the CSG.
The three major causes of the power deficit are the wide-scale drought in western provinces, a lack of thermal coal supply and a skyrocketing demand for power. In the past few months alone, an unprecedented 12 peaks of "maximum" electricity load have occurred.
Since July, the Hongshui River and Wu River basins have been 80% to 90% drier than the previous year on average. Storages have fallen by 80% or more, the lowest ever on record. It is estimated that the situation will remain at 60% to 80% less than usual in September, and around 50% in the coming fourth quarter. The Lantsang River also expects a reduced water volume by 30%.
Meanwhile, low coal productivity, problems with the price of coal-generated power and the poor quality of processed coal have hindered power efficiency in Guangxi, Yunnan and Guizhou.
Lasting hot weather and little rainfall continue to trigger massive use of air conditioning and a higher dependence on energy-intensive products, which is also to be blamed for the stress on supply.
The CSG said it will fulfill its obligation to explore potential power resources and ensure electricity supply to all vital social sectors in the five provinces.
