Soaring Summer Heat Drives China's Record Electricity Consumption

July saw China's electricity consumption hit unprecedented levels due to an intense heatwave, particularly in the Yangtze Delta. The surge in air-conditioning demand was met by record hydro and solar power output, reducing coal generation. Despite high demand, the national grid remained stable, showcasing China's rapid energy transformation.

In an unprecedented surge, China's electricity consumption hit record highs in July as a prolonged heatwave gripped the Yangtze Delta, significantly raising air-conditioning and refrigeration demands. This extraordinary load was met by substantial outputs from hydro and solar sources, slightly curbing coal-fired generation compared to the previous year.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, total electricity generation soared to a record 883 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in July, compared to 846 billion kWh in July 2023 and 806 billion kWh in July 2022. The long period of exceptionally hot weather was particularly noticeable in eastern regions, including Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, driving the increased consumption.

Remarkable increases in hydro and solar power enabled the electricity system to cope with the elevated demand. Hydropower generation reached a new peak of 166 billion kWh, bolstered by abundant monsoon rains, while solar energy output surged to 36 billion kWh due to massive new capacity installations. Despite the overall reduction in coal reliance, thermal generation still accounted for 65% of the total.