China's Power Generation Hits Seasonal High in September, Driven by Economic Recovery and New Hydro Dam
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China's power generation hit a seasonal high in September 2022, up 9% year-on-year, driven by economic recovery and lockdown easing.
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Hydro generation increased sharply thanks to the new Baihetan Dam, offsetting drought impacts on hydro elsewhere.
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But thermal (mostly coal) generation also rose to meet strong demand growth, with record coal output and imports.
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China is adding renewable capacity but it can't keep pace with power demand growth.
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Coal remains critical to China's energy security and reliability, despite the big renewable capacity expansion.