, Columnist
Yangtze Floods Swamp China’s Coal Demand
Stockpiles are a record high when they should be shrinking. A surge in hydropower may be the explanation.
Divining the future of China’s power demand.
Photographer: STR/AFP/Getty Images
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Look at the coal yards surrounding China’s power plants and you’ll notice something strange happening.
Typically at this time of year, stockpiles of the fuel that provides about two-thirds of the country’s power should be shrinking. Peak season for thermal power generation is July and August when cities switch on their air conditioning, along with the coldest months of winter. That causes generators to run down supplies of coal waiting to be burned.