NBS: China's power output hits historical high in July

The July record exceeded the previous high of 936.3 billion kWh created in August 2025, with temperatures across the country also reaching historical levels during the month.

"The nationwide temperature averaged 23.5°C in July, 1.3°C above the historical average for the same period and marking the second-highest level on record for July," said a spokesman from China's Meteorological Administration in a press conference, noting that daily maximum temperatures at 40 national meteorological stations in six regions across China had also reached or exceeded their historical records.

Last month, thermal power generation increased by 17% on month to 584.1 billion kWh, with its share of total power output widening to 61.9% from 60.2% in June. Compared with the previous year, the July level was lower by 3.5%, though, according to the NBS data.

Hydropower extended its strong performance in July, rising 11% on month and 6.7% on year to 161.6 billion kWh. "Rainfall nationwide averaged 123 millimetres (mm) in July, higher by 1.1% [0.3 mm] from the historical average for the month ... with intense and repeated heavy rains in South China and an earlier-than-usual start of the rainy season in North China," said the spokesperson.

Among other major power sources, wind power output in July also increased 12% from June and 4.5% from July last year to 82 billion kWh, while solar and nuclear power reached 70.3 billion kWh and 45.8 billion kWh, both up from their month-ago and year-ago levels, the NBS data showed.

Over January-July, China's combined power generation totalled 5.7 trillion kWh, up 3% from the same period last year.

Written by Adrian Zhou, zhouwenhaoa@mysteel.com

Edited by Russ McCulloch, russ.mcculloch@mysteel.com