China's National Electricity Load Hits Record High of 15.18 Billion Kilowatts
On July 10, China's national electricity load reached a new historical high of 15.18 billion kilowatts, surpassing the previous record by 10 million kilowatts. This peak occurred for the first time this year.
China's national electricity load hit a record high of 15.18 billion kilowatts on July 10, as reported by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). This figure represents an increase of 10 million kilowatts compared to the previous historical peak and marks the first time this year the load has reached such a level.
Since the start of summer, several regional and provincial power grids, including those in southern China and provinces like Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Ningxia, Gansu, Fujian, and Shaanxi, have set new load records more than 20 times. The surge in demand is attributed to three primary factors.
Firstly, industrial electricity consumption is steadily growing, driven by rapid expansion in high-tech manufacturing, advanced equipment production, and emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, energy storage, and computing power. Secondly, the service sector's electricity usage has increased rapidly, with charging services and internet data services showing growth rates exceeding 40 percent this year. Thirdly, high temperatures have significantly elevated electricity demand, with air conditioning now accounting for nearly 30 percent of the national load, and over 40 percent in some provinces.
China's substantial electricity infrastructure, boasting over 4 billion kilowatts of generating capacity, ensures a robust supply. Renewable energy sources, contributing over 1.9 billion kilowatts, provided more than 40 percent of the peak load during the record-breaking period, underscoring their critical role in maintaining grid stability.