China : continuous struggle with energy shortage

The Yangtze River Delta is one of the richest areas in China. But the region is poor in energy resources and in the last couple of years this economic engine house of the country was strangled by repeated power cuts. Supply is most stressed in summer in the peak period. It is not unusual for a manufacturing facility to operate only four days a week. Escalators in commercial centers were stopped. Half the streetlights were off. And in some areas, even traffic lights were turned off on a temporary basis.

The power shortage is not restricted to the Yangtze Delta, though. Started in 2001, it is a nationwide phenomenon with varied degrees of impact on different regions. Statistics show 24 provincial regions in China were forced to rationed power supply in 2004. The major factor behind the energy shortage was the overheated and improperly structured economy, accompanied by wasteful energy utilization. The issue is urgent and with far-reaching significance.

Statistics show by the end of 2004 China's total power capacity reached 440,000 MW. Experts say that should be raised to approximately one million MW by 2020, which means an annual addition of 33,000 MW. The prospects cause concerns over diminishing energy reserves and the environmental impact. To ensure healthy and sustainable development, the structure of industries as a whole and the mix of energy sources should be optimized. And frugal use of energy should become compulsory.

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