Plagued By Drought, China Turns To Coal To Keep The Lights On

Thermal generation increased by +8% compared with the same period in 2022 and accounted for 71% of all electrical output, up from 69% in the previous year.

China's coal fleet kept the lights on, air conditioning working and industry operating in the drought-stricken south and more recently in the north in an unprecedented heat wave.

In response to government directives to ensure sufficient fuel stocks for generators, the country's coal mines produced a record volume in the first six months.