Power cuts at the Yunnan Power grid in southwestern China could lead to a drop in production of electrolytic aluminium by 20,000mt in May and 30,000mt in June.
Media reports said Yunnan Power grid has implemented peak shifting measures for primary aluminium producers due to thermal power shortage in alternating flood seasons. The electricity provider, Yunnan Electric Power Dispatching and Control Centre decided to implement a load shift for primary aluminium producers in the area in 2021.
Major smelters like Kunming, Qujing, Honghe, Dali, Zhaotong and Wenshan have been asked to cut power consumption by 10pc. The move comes ahead of the government’s centenary celebration on July 1. The government is planning power cuts to lower productions and subsequent emissions to keep skies clear for the celebration.
The companies will start production with staggered power supply in late-May and the power load is expected to drop by 10pc. The peak load of a single user is not less than 10pc of the normal power load and the peak load time is of three hours.