Work underway to ensure power supply

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-04-2008 08:40

Coal producers and transport workers are working around the clock to ensure the power supply for southern China. The region is facing a severe power shortage due to prolonged snow storms.

At the port, more than 1,000 workers have been working with hardly a break for 24 hours.

This ship, loaded with seven tons of coal, is to set off from Tianjin to snow-hit southern China.

At the port, more than 1,000 workers have been working with hardly a break for 24 hours.

Other major port cities, such as Qinhuangdao, Qingdao and Rizhao are also under extreme pressure as the loading, unloading and transport of coal has been given priority.

In order to increase coal production, more than 80 percent of key state-owned coal mines will continue production during the Spring Festival.

North China's Shanxi Province, a major energy supplier for the country, has launched an emergency plan to ensure the coal supply.

Many coal producers have partially suspended the sale of coal and also put aside coal reserves to support disaster hit areas.

Liu Kegong, head of Wang Zhuang Coal Mine, Shanxi Prov., said, "To share the concern of the country and people hit by the snow is the common wish of our coal workers."

Neighboring Shaanxi province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are also speeding up coal production and transport.

The road network is also required to increase coal transportation. The Ministry of Transport has designated special roadways between ports and power plants.

In addition to these efforts, thousands of workers have been dispatched to snow-hit areas to help repair the damaged power system.

Editor:Zhang Ning