On the morning of October 8, the State Council Information Office held a press conference. Regarding how to ensure energy supply security and stable prices for livelihood commodities this winter, Li Chunlin, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, stated that the Commission has worked with relevant parties to advance a series of arrangements, indicating a solid foundation for energy supply security.
In terms of coal, national coal production remains stable, with coal storage in power plants exceeding 200 million tons and an average availability of more than 30 days, a historical high for this period. The Northeast region has also sufficiently prepared for winter coal storage.
Regarding electricity, as of the end of August, the country's installed power generation capacity reached 3.13 billion kilowatts, with more than half from renewable sources like hydropower, wind power, and photovoltaics. While the uncertainty of power supply has increased, stable and reliable electricity can be achieved through improved intelligent scheduling and enhanced inter-provincial and inter-regional mutual assistance.
In terms of natural gas, resource supply is adequate, with peak gas storage capacity increasing by 8 billion cubic meters compared to last year, and storage should be fully utilized before winter.
Looking ahead, the National Development and Reform Commission will continue to strengthen monitoring and analysis, consolidate responsibilities among all parties, and make every effort to ensure stable energy supply.
First, it will increase the production and supply of coal, natural gas, and other resources, promote the development of various types of generator sets, and encourage efficient consumption of new energy.
Second, the focus will be on increasing thermal coal and natural gas reserves, strengthening cross-provincial and cross-regional power dispatch, and optimizing energy storage management to improve peak protection capabilities.
Third, priority will be given to ensuring energy use for people's livelihoods and minimizing the impact of extreme weather and other emergencies on normal production and daily life.
Li Chunlin noted that this past summer, extreme high temperatures led to record highs in the country's maximum electricity load and daily maximum electricity consumption, reaching 1.451 billion kilowatts and 32.5 billion kilowatt-hours, respectively-106 million kilowatts and 2.4 billion kilowatt-hours higher than the peak in 2023. Despite this, China's energy and power supply remained stable and orderly.
With the joint efforts of all parties, the energy supply for this winter heating season can be effectively guaranteed, providing strong support for the sustained recovery of the economy and the well-being of the people throughout the winter.