China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Wednesday that the country would secure energy supplies this winter while ensuring to fulfil its climate goals. The statement came as several provinces rationed power amid surging electricity demand, shortages of power-generating fuels, and skyrocketing coal and gas prices. The power rationing has forced businesses to suspend operations, dimming the growth outlook of the world’s second-largest economy.
Zhao Chenxin, an NDRC official, told a news conference that China will guarantee energy supply this winter and spring while maintaining commitments of peak carbon emission by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Zhao noted that provincial governments would be prohibited to close down coal plants without authorisation. The central government also urged mines in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia, which were closed due to recent floods, to resume production as soon as possible.
An official with the National Mine Safety Administration said China had approved the expansion of 153 coal mines which could add the country’s production by 55 million tons in the fourth quarter. China produced a record 11.2 million tons/day of coal in February and has enough inventories for about 15 days. Zhao also said that the country had secured 174.4 Bcm of natural gas and built over 27 Bcm of gas storage.
