China is rationing power for professionals in the country’s southwest as hot weather boosts demand as hydropower facilities are hit by weak rivers, state media reported.
In Sichuan province (southwest), temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in recent days, leading to almost systematic use of air conditioning to cool the approximately 84 million inhabitants. To produce its electricity, Sichuan relies 80% on hydraulic dams. But rivers in the area have dried up, according to China’s Ministry of Water Resources.
To save electricity, 19 municipalities in the province ordered factories and businesses to suspend their activity, according to a notice published this Sunday and broadcast by the official media. In force until Saturday, the measure does not affect individuals. However, some businesses may operate with limited capacity for special needs.
Reduction of lithium production
Sichuan is a key region in China for the manufacture of lithium, a metal present in electric batteries. A factory operated by Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn, the main supplier to US-based Apple, has substantially halted production. Consequence of the restrictions: lithium production should be reduced by at least 1,200 tons, which makes lithium carbonate jump, analyst Susan Zou, from the specialized firm Rystad Energy, stresses with AFP.
The coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu (east), as well as Anhui (east), also imposed electricity rationing for professionals. China again issued several red alerts on Monday due to high temperatures in various regions. Summer solstice heat waves are not unusual in China, especially in the arid west and south. But they appear to be strengthening in recent years with climate change, scientists say.
Source: BFM TV
