8 Jul 2010 08:35

High water levels boost Sichuan's electricity exports

Shanghai. July 8. INTERFAX-CHINA - High water levels at hydropower plants in western Sichuan Province have boosted the region's electricity exports this summer, according to statistics released by the State Grid Corporation (SGC) on July 8.

The statistics show water levels at hydropower plants in the province last week were 25 percent higher than last year's levels, and around 7 percent higher than the multi-year average. Heavy rainfall in southern China in recent weeks has led to higher water levels and increased power output, the SGC said.

As a result, Sichuan's electricity exports will flow further afield this summer, reaching Hubei, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, the SGC said.

On July 5, daily electricity exports from the province hit 92.27 million kilowatt-hours (kWh).

In 2009, Sichuan exported a total of 9.54 billion kWh of electricity, an increase of 266.58 percent year-on-year.

The SGC forecast that the province's electricity exports will more than likely surpass last year's thanks to higher water levels this summer.

- WV