BEIJING/SINGAPORE - Producers of lithium, fertilisers and other metals shut plants or curbed output in China's southwestern Sichuan province on Monday after it rationed industrial electricity consumption amid its worst heatwave in 60 years.
There have been some power curbs in place since late July that affected industry production, however, the latest policy was more severe, according to industry sources.But soaring temperatures and little rain this summer have reduced hydropower generation in the province of 83.75 million, while also boosting power demand for air conditioning.
Top Chinese producer Tianqi Lithium and Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group both operate plants in the province. Tianqi did not respond to a request for comment on the curbs, and Yahua could not immediately be reached.