Li Keqiang Urges Correction of Local Governments' Power Usage Restrictions Amid Severe Power Shortage in China

Liquor Chang Chairs National Energy Committee Meeting
"Uniform Power Usage and Factory Operation Restrictions in Some Areas Must Be Revised"

Premier Li Keqiang of China
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Amid ongoing power shortages in China, Premier Li Keqiang has demanded that local governments rectify their measures to reduce coal usage and restrict electricity consumption.

According to Xinhua News Agency on the 12th, Premier Li chaired a meeting of the National Energy Commission on the 9th and stated, "Localities and relevant departments must (omitted) recognize the national economy as a single Go board and must not make a 'false start' out of impatience."

Premier Li emphasized, "We need to revise the uniform restrictions on electricity usage and factory operations or campaign-style coal reduction measures in some regions so that people living in the north can spend the winter warmly and safely, and the economy can continue stable development."

He pointed out, "Achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is a requirement for the transformation and upgrading of our country's economy and a demand for jointly responding to climate change," but added, "Long-term and arduous efforts are necessary to promote the realization of these goals scientifically and orderly."

He continued, "It is necessary to compile the recent contradictions in the supply and demand of electricity and coal, and through in-depth calculations, empirical studies, and research, present a timetable and roadmap toward carbon peaking," urging a mid- to long-term approach rather than a short-term one.

The recent severe power shortages in China have been attributed partly to a shortage of energy sources such as coal and partly to 'target-oriented' administrative actions by local governments aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

It has been pointed out that in order to meet the carbon emission reduction targets set by the central government, local governments imposed uniform restrictions on factory operations and electricity usage, which exacerbated damage to industry and people's livelihoods.

Premier Li also stated, "Energy security is related to development security and national security," and "China is still a developing country, and development is the foundation and key to solving all problems."

He emphasized, "At this stage, with the deepening of industrialization and urbanization, the continuous increase in energy demand is inevitable," and "Supply shortages are the greatest source of energy insecurity, so efforts must be made to build a modern energy system based on the premise of ensuring safety and to enhance energy self-sufficiency."

The phrase 'modern energy system based on the premise of ensuring safety' is likely to be interpreted as a reference to nuclear power generation.

Premier Li further stated, "We will reasonably build advanced thermal power plants according to power demand and continue to orderly phase out outdated thermal power plants," reaffirming that China will have to continue using thermal power for the time being.

He also added, "We will expand domestic oil and natural gas exploration and development, actively develop shale gas and coalbed methane, and carry out diversified international cooperation related to oil and natural gas."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.