(Yicai Global) July 29 -- China’s electricity use jumped 16.2 percent in the first half from a year earlier, with the peak load setting record highs sixth month in a row.

China used 3.93 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity in the six months ended June 30, according to data released by the National Energy Administration yesterday.

Industry used 67.5 percent of the total, up 16.6 percent from a year ago to 2.66 trillion kWh, Li Fulong, head of the NEA’s Development and Planning Department said at a press conference.

The country’s installed generation capacity totaled 2.26 billion kWh in the period, up 9.5 percent from a year ago. At 990 million kWh, nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind power plants generated almost 44 percent of the total.

Coal consumption rose 10.7 percent due to a 15.7 percent jump in electricity generated from combustibles, accounting for almost 80 percent of the total growth. Coal used to make building materials gained 12 percent.

Demand and supply are in tight balance, Li noted, adding that some regions have been taking measures this year for orderly power use, as coal is in short supply and so its price is fluctuating at high levels.

The NEA is working hands with related companies to guarantee safe and stable energy supplies and increase power capacity, he added.

Editor: Futura Costaglione