Average monthly coal consumed in China H1 2020

In the first half of 2020 the energy sector was severely impacted worldwide due to the outbreak of COVID-19. With most nations put under lockdown, energy demand plummeted as populations were confined to their homes. China, where the outbreak originated, experienced a noticeable decline in monthly fuel consumption when compared to the previous year. From January to April, the average monthly consumption of five generating firms in China fell well below what was recorded in the same months the previous year. This decline in fossil fuel demand lead to a reduction in emissions in the country. By the end of April it was estimated that there had been a reduction of million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

However, May saw a surge in coal power output as lockdown measures loosened, with consumption rising to 10kt/day. By June 2020, consumption levels of the five generating firms had fallen slightly below levels recorded in the same month in 2019.