Summary of Key Points
This summer, the national electricity demand has repeatedly broken historical records (1.518 billion kilowatts on July 10 and 1.551 billion kilowatts on July 14), with the peak expected to exceed 1.6 billion kilowatts. The main cause is the increased consumption of electricity for air conditioning due to the hot weather. To address this challenge, the government has implemented various measures such as inter-provincial and cross-regional power sharing, coal-fired power as a backup, coordination between new energy storage systems and power grids, and refined management strategies to maintain overall supply-demand balance. However, some provinces in East China, Central China, and South China still rely on cross-provincial support during peak hours to alleviate the strain.
Detailed Explanation
1. Repeated Record-Breaking Electricity Demands: Hot Weather Drives Air Conditioning Usage
This summer’s average temperatures were higher than usual, especially in the south and Xinjiang, with more days of extreme heat. Air conditioning has become a major consumer of electricity. The periodic heatwaves in East China, Central China, and South China have significantly increased the demand for cooling. On July 14, not only did the national electricity demand reach a record, but the power grids in Central China and provinces like Sichuan and Hubei also set new highs. The National Energy Administration predicts that under extreme heat conditions, the peak demand could exceed 1.6 billion kilowatts, which is equivalent to 1.6 billion air conditioners running simultaneously—a considerable challenge for the electric power system.
2. Inter-Provincial and Cross-Regional Power Support
When certain areas experience high electricity demand, power can be transferred from other regions to help. On July 14, 278 million kilowatts of electricity were transmitted across provinces (an increase of 15 million kilowatts compared to July 10). Regions with heavy loads, such as Zhejiang and Shanghai, rely on these cross-provincial connections for support. To ensure smoother power flow, regions like the Yangtze River Delta and the northwest have initiated medium- and long-term rolling power transactions in advance, essentially forming “power mutual assistance agreements” to ensure a reliable supply during critical times.
3. Coal-Fired Power as a Stabilizing Factor
Although renewable energy is developing rapidly, coal-fired power remains the primary backup source. This summer, coal-fired power has faced two challenges: increased demand for air conditioning and the variability of wind and solar power (which can be unreliable). However, many coal-fired units have been upgraded to operate more flexibly, capable of generating more electricity during peak times and less during off-peak periods, with some even able to start and stop quickly. Advanced technologies such as AI and digital twins have improved their efficiency. On July 14, the State Energy Group generated over 197 million kilowatts of electricity, accounting for one-eighth of the national total, a new record.
4. New Energy Storage as a Critical Resource
In addition to power generation, energy storage is also essential. This summer, several new energy storage projects were commissioned. For example, a 100-megawatt storage facility in Hefei can discharge electricity at a rate of 100,000 kilowatts for two hours; a vanadium flow battery storage station in Sichuan can actively stabilize the power grid’s voltage and frequency. The government is also promoting the use of pumped storage and other new energy storage technologies to balance demand during peak and off-peak periods. Currently, the country’s largest storage capacity exceeds 90 million kilowatts, accounting for more than 6% of the total power system. In the future, digital technologies (AI, big data) will be used to create even more intelligent control systems.
5. Refined Inspections and Dynamic Monitoring to Prevent Power Outages
Detailed management on the distribution network level is crucial. For instance, the State Grid’s Shuangpai County供电 company focuses inspections during nighttime peak hours, using both manual and infrared temperature measurement methods to identify potential issues with lines and equipment. The National Energy Administration has established daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly monitoring systems to monitor supply and demand, track coal-fired power generation, and ensure a stable fuel supply and power output, preventing any disruptions during peak times.
Overall, although this summer’s electricity demand posed significant challenges, the coordinated efforts and various technical solutions have largely ensured a stable power supply. In the event of extreme heat, cross-provincial support and energy storage systems will be available as backups. Ordinary citizens need not worry too much about power outages; they can simply continue to use their air conditioners with peace of mind.