China's railway ministry boosts coal transportation

China's Ministry of Railway declared its readiness to help ease the possible power shortage by deploying more resources to transport thermal coal to coal-fired power plants.

"Relevant MOR local bureaus are paying close attention to the supply and consumption of thermal coal in regions suffering power shortages, and would make sure no power shortage is caused by delays in railway transport," said the MOR in a statement on its website.

Seventy percent of the nation's electricity needs are supplied by coal-fired power plants, and as the coal is mainly extracted in the north, the MOR often finds itself short-handed when demand for thermal coal surges in summer.

"By the end of May, China's 363 power plants had a total coal storage of 32.346 million tonnes, which can be used to generate electricity for 14.1 days," the MOR said.

The full story is available at xinhuanet.