China faces record power demand amid summer 2025 heatwaves

China is grappling with a surge in power demand as an intense heatwave sweeps across the country.

The National Energy Administration reported a record high electrical load for the third time in July 2025, exceeding 1.5 billion kW due to broiling temperatures.

The scorching weather extends from southwestern cities such as Chongqing and Chengdu to Guangzhou in the south, as reported by Reuters.

A subtropical high-pressure system has caused temperatures at eight weather stations in mid-July to reach their highest recorded levels, according to state media reports.

Chim Lee, a senior energy and climate change specialist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, stated: “The power system is holding up so far, but the real test will come as the summer wears on, and there are still risks of potential power rationing.”

In response to increased energy demands, solar energy contributed significantly to June 2025’s spike in electricity generation. Hydropower production has risen compared with early 2023 figures but remains below those seen during 2022, stated Lee.

This marks a rise of 55 million kW compared to 2024’s peak. Provincial records have been shattered 36 times since the start of summer 2025.

The relentless heat scorches crops, diminishing farmers’ earnings, disrupts manufacturing activities and port operations, and places additional pressure on the healthcare segment.

Since 2015, Jiangxi province has averaged 21.7 days annually with temperatures above 28 degrees Celsius – a stark increase from five to seven days at the beginning of the century, according to state media reports.

Weather forecasters anticipate a drop in temperatures from Monday, 21 July as a tropical depression located east of the Philippines is likely to intensify into a tropical storm.

The storm, expected to be named Wipha, is projected to move across Taiwan and head toward southern China.

However, if it is blocked by persistent high-pressure systems, air conditioning usage will remain high, continuing to place strain on an already taxed grid infrastructure.