Chinese demand for thermal coal could rise by 140 million metric tonnes (mt) and boost the seaborne coal market despite renewed supply of hydropower, according to a report by Citi Research . Hydropower output fell 1.7% last year but rebounded 7.3% in the first half of 2018 , yet that gain may not derail thermal coal demand which has increased 7.3% in the first seven months of 2018 . The expected growth in China's thermal coal demand may also be evidenced by the utilization rates of thermal power plants, which rose 5.3% year on year in the first seven months of 2018, according to the report. Total Chinese power demand rose 9.4% YoY in Hunan , while consumption in the first half of 2018 grew 1.7% YoY to 648.4 MWh .
Chinese demand for thermal coal could rise by 140 million metric tonnes (mt) and boost the seaborne coal market despite renewed supply of hydropower, according to a report by Citi Research . Hydropower output fell 1.7% last year but rebounded 7.3% in the first half of 2018 , yet that gain may not derail thermal coal demand which has increased 7.3% in the first seven months of 2018 . Total Chinese power demand rose 9.4% YoY in Hunan , while consumption in the first half of 2018 grew 1.7% YoY to 648.4 MWh .