The average utilization was 5,294 hours/year, indicating an average utilization rate of 60% in 2011. 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 2.9% 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 report, titled “China Coal Market Outlook 2018,” said China’s total installed capacity will grow from about 100 gigawatts (GW) at present to more than 200 GW over the next five years.
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 2.9% 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 report, titled “China Coal Market Outlook 2018,” said China’s total installed capacity will grow from about 100 gigawatts (GW) at present to more than 200 GW over the next five years.