China’s record hydro and solar cut coal power during heatwave

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🗞️ Driving the news: During an intense heatwave in July, China's electricity consumption hit a record high, driven by increased demand for air-conditioning in the Yangtze Delta region
•  Despite this surge, coal-fired power generation saw a slight decline, thanks to record outputs from hydro and solar energy sources

🔭 The context: The Yangtze Delta, home to 237 million people and responsible for 24% of China's economic output, experienced prolonged high temperatures, significantly boosting electricity demand
• However, China’s power grid managed the increased load due to substantial contributions from renewable energy 🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ability to meet record electricity demand with renewable energy sources like hydro and solar demonstrates China's rapid shift towards cleaner energy, reducing reliance on coal and contributing to global climate goals

⏭️ What's next:  As climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, China's growing renewable capacity will be crucial in balancing future electricity demand without expanding coal power usage

💬 One quote: "Unprecedented load was met by record output from hydro and solar, ensuring coal-fired generation fell slightly," highlighting the effectiveness of China's renewable energy investments

📈 One stat: Total electricity generation in China reached a record 883 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in July 2024

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