China’s Sichuan province has rationed electricity for factories due to a prolonged drought. In 19 of the 21 cities, industrial companies must suspend production until Saturday, the government has ordered. Sichuan typically gets 80 percent of its electricity needs from hydropower.
It also supplies the factories on the east coast. The government decision applies from Monday to Saturday. This affects, for example, the fertilizer manufacturer Sichuan Meifeng and the aluminum manufacturer Henan Zhongfu. In addition, Taiwanese Apple supplier Foxconn stopped the tapes.
Half of China’s lithium, which is mainly used in batteries for electric cars, is also mined in Sichuan. Analyst Susan Zhou of energy research institute Rystad Energy assumes that the production of lithium will now be 1,200 tons lower.
High consumption with little power
The regional government provides exceptions for individual companies: They may continue with reduced performance. In the province of 84 million inhabitants, the power consumption for air conditioning is currently very high at more than 40 degrees Celsius, but at the same time the hydroelectric power plants provide little electricity. Sichuan typically gets 80 percent of its electricity needs from hydropower.
According to the ministry responsible for water resources in Beijing, many rivers have already dried up. As reported, Europe is currently also struggling with drought and with it the power supply.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
