Energy supplies sufficient despite epidemic disruptions

China's energy supply can meet demand despite disruptions caused by the outbreak of a new strain of the coronavirus, statistics released Friday by the National Energy Administration (NEA) showed.

The administration said it will supervise resumption of energy production as part of the effort to control and prevent further spread of the new strain of the coronavirus.

As of Feb 13, a total of 996 coal mines in the country have resumed operation, with an annual production capacity of 2.65 billion metric tons.

NEA said the daily coal output is increasing, the national power system is operating smoothly and will provide needed electricity.

NEA has guided central state-owned coal producers such as China Energy Investment Corp. and China Coal Group, and local SOEs in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces to completely resume production.

NEA has also asked power grids suppliers to ensure stable power supply nationwide, especially in Hubei province.

The NEA also urged oil and gas companies to resume construction and operation of key projects to ensure adequate supplies.

As of Feb 13, coal inventory at power plants nationwide was sufficient for 24 days of operation, a level the administration called "reasonable."

The coal inventory in Hubei totals 41 days, sufficient for stable operation of the power grid, NEA said.

The country also has adequate supply of oil and natural gas, officials said.

Natural gas pipelines for Huoshenshan (Fire God Mountain) Hospital and Leishenshan (Thunder God Mountain) Hospital, the two hospitals recently built to treat patients infected by the coronavirus, are now operating, NEA said.