China's power grid strained as extreme heat breaks records

China is battling an unprecedented power surge, as temperatures push electricity demand beyond 1.5 billion kilowatts. Officials warn the real test is still to come, with risks of power rationing looming.

A prolonged heatwave stretching across southern and southwestern China—from Chongqing and Chengdu to Guangzhou—has sent power usage to record levels, exceeding 1.5 billion kilowatts.

This marks the third time in July the national power load has hit an all-time high, outpacing last year’s peak by 55 million kilowatts.

Meteorologists link the extreme temperatures to climate change and note the role of a persistent subtropical high-pressure system driving the heat.

“The power system is holding up so far,” said Chim Lee, a senior energy and climate change specialist, “but the real test will come as the summer wears on.”

Solar power drove half of June’s energy surge, while hydropower rose compared to 2023 but remained below 2022 levels.

The extreme heat is stressing infrastructure, damaging crops, cutting farm income, and disrupting ports and factories.

Forecasters say temperatures may start to drop from Monday, as a tropical depression near the Philippines could develop into a storm likely named Wipha, and move toward southern China.

However, a persistent subtropical high might block the system’s path, potentially extending the heatwave and increasing pressure on the power grid.

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