The government of southwestern China's Sichuan province has set a target that all 20 hydropower stations in the province should complete the reservoir storage of 13 billion cubic meters by early November.
The country's top hydropower producer saw output of the clean energy fall significantly in the past two months when extreme drought dried up rivers and reservoirs with the water level down to the lowest in history.
Inflows to Sichuan's reservoirs fell 40% in July compared to the same month last year and worsened to 50% in August. This, combined with a searing heat that caused a surge in demand, created a power shortage and prompted the province to suspend industrial activity to ensure residential use.
Rainfall starting in late August has done little to the water storage in Sichuan. As of September 20, the province's 20 reservoirs had stored only 6.6 bcm of water, only 51% of the target.
Hydropower stations contribute to 80% of the province's energy output. There could be a repeat of power crunch if reservoirs cannot be replenished in time.
Sichuan's electricity consumption will reach 127 TWh during this winter dry period (December 2022 - April 2023), if calculated in line with the growth rate of 10% (the average of the past four years), Sichuan Province Economic and Information Department predicted.
Considering adverse factors including the lack of reservoir storage, coal and gas supply, Sichuan will have a 10%-30% shortfall in power supply, posing a big challenge to the province's power generators.
Since mid-August, the Sichuan Provincial Water Resources Department has taken tailored measures for each of the hydropower plants. The overall task of storing 13 bcm of water has been broken down into seven stages. At present, the water storage in each hydropower station is being carried out in an orderly manner.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Tammy Yang)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.