Just In Time For Chinese New Year - China's "Worst-Ever" Power Shortage - Times UK

[hatrack]

EDIT

State media has described the crisis as China’s worst-ever power shortage. With coal prices soaring and supplies disrupted by some of the most severe winter weather in years, it is certainly the most acute since 2004 when demand outstripped supply by 40 gigawatts. A rush for individual generators and to buy diesel to fuel them sent state firms into the international markets, provoking a spurt in crude oil prices.

So worried is the government that on Friday it put in place a two-month ban on coal exports. The Ministry of Communications said: “During the Chinese New Year and parliamentary meeting, all thermal coal exports will be suspended. Where there is a need, all international shipping capacity will be diverted for domestic transportation requirements."

The coal shortages have forced the five biggest electricity producers to close 90 power stations - with a combined capacity of more than 20,000 megawatts - in northern and central China. Coal stockpiles at the plants have dropped below the "caution mark" of three days' requirements. Officials have ordered some mines, which had closed as part of a sweeping crackdown on unsafe collieries in which some 3,000 people die each year, to reopen if they are deemed now to have met safety standards.

The shortage could not have come at a worse time for the ruling Communist Party. The leadership is anxious to ensure plentiful supplies of power for the most important holiday of the year, the Lunar New Year holiday,which begins on February 7, just as rising prices – particularly for food – are fuelling popular discontent.

EDIT

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3259985.ece

[Richardo]

1. Something tells me those mines are now "safe".

Get back to work, boys! :eyes:

I heard the Three Gorges hydro project is also in big trouble.

Yeah, they're ready for prime time.

[ben_meyers]

2. Over half million expected stranded at China station

BEIJING (Reuters) - Over half a million passengers could be left stranded at a railway station in south China on Monday ahead of the biggest holiday of the year after snow cut power to more than 136 trains, state media said.

Heavy snow and sleet in recent days have hit central, eastern and southern China, areas used to milder winters. Dozens of people have died and many highways, railways and airports have been paralyzed, especially in the east.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the weather was threatening lives and disrupting supplies of fresh food, coal, oil and electricity ahead of celebrations marking the Lunar New Year, which starts on February 7. He warned of worse to come.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080128/ts_nm/china_weather_dc_5

This could get ugly for the central planners, raising expectations lead to...well rising expectations.

[Rageneau]

3. Why isn't China pimpled with nuclear reactors?

Or maybe it is.

When I hear about China's energy problems, I''m surprised they wouldn't have invested big in nuclear. Unlike here, the government could build without opposition. So why don't they?

Do they know something?

[Doctor Cynic]

6. They're planning 30 new reactors by 2020

That's probably the most ambitious nuclear project ever.

EDIT: I realized that if they have the same problem with reactors as they have with toys, the uranium may never become fissile!!:rofl:

[patch1234]

4. coal electric plant much cheaper than nuke

the one cent per KWH, for coal fuel.

as compare to.
all the extra BS that goes with a nuke plant.
plus lead time.

[hogwyld]

5. If China's having these issues now

Where do you think they'll be in 5 years? 10 years?

[XemaSab]

7. Gung hay fat choy!

:hi:

[Systematic Chaos]

8. Sorry - the only Chinese I know is what I find on

http://www.insultmonger.com/swearing/mandarin.htm

It's great to use when the plat sellers spam you in EQ2 and WoW! :evilgrin: