The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, on Tuesday pledged to closely monitor the energy supply, so as to ensure steady supply of power and heating, as the country braces for the peak winter period of high electricity, heating and gas consumption.
Li Chunlin, deputy director of the NDRC, told the media that power plants with a coal reserve of over 200 million tonnes can meet the nation's energy needs for an average of 30 days, which is at a historically high level for this time of year, adding that the northeastern region has ample winter coal stockpiles.
As of the end of August, the national installed generating capacity had reached 3.13 billion kilowatts, with renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, wind, and solar, accounting for more than half of the total capacity, Li said.
Despite increasing uncertainties in power supply, the NDRC will take measures in intelligent scheduling and enhanced inter-provincial cooperation to guarantee a stable and reliable electricity supply.
In the natural gas sector, resource availability is also robust, with peak-shaving storage capacity up by 8 billion cubic meters from the previous year, said Li, emphasizing the need for optimal storage before winter arrives.
Looking ahead, the NDRC will continue to enhance monitoring and analysis to maintain the stability of energy supply, according to Li.
China ensures stable energy supply ahead of winter peak
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
