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.

Post a Comment:

Comments are closed for this entry.

« Hybrids in Singapore | Main | Higher Oil Prices... »

Most popular blog postings on lowem.log :

1. Singapore MRT rail network length to double by 2020
2. 2010 Nissan Leaf electric car specifications : 107hp, 24KWh lithium-ion batteries, 100-mile range
3. Live spot gold price quotes chart on COMEX
4. 2010 Toyota Prius specifications released : 50 mpg, 1.8L, 134hp, Ni-MH, solar roof option
5. AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 2011 direct download link
6. Real-time live gold and silver price quotes chart on COMEX
7. Singapore electric vehicles : Government agencies EMA and LTA to study EV introduction
8. Book review : Shut Down by William Flynn

Featured articles on lowem.log :

1. Book review : Shut Down by William Flynn
2. Singapore electric cars testing starts with 9 electric vehicles
3. Honda, GS Yuasa JV to make lithium-ion batteries for 2010/2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
4. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid preliminary specifications released
5. 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid, 2010 Honda Fit/Jazz hybrid models confirmed
6. 2010 Toyota Prius specifications released : 50 mpg, 1.8L, 134hp, Ni-MH, solar roof option
7. NYMEX crude oil recovers from $32.40 low after 2.2 mbpd OPEC production cut announced
8. Singapore : Nuclear power not ruled out