China, the world’s second largest economy, expects severe power shortages of up to 70 million kilowatts in 2013, according to statements made on Friday by Wei Shaofeng, deputy director of China’s Electricity Council.
The estimated shortages suggest that the gap between electricity supply and demand in China will is likely to get worse before it gets better. In 2012, China expects power shortages of 50 million kilowatts.
The shortages are not only likely to be worse over the next five years but they are also likely to affect a wider range of areas.
China consumed more than two trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity during the first half of 2011, up 12.2% from the same period in 2010. The rise resulted primarily from heavier use of air conditioners due to hot weather and strong industrial growth.