El Niño likely to boost power demand and coal consumption in September
El Niño weather patterns are anticipated to increase cooling demand while simultaneously reducing hydropower generation capacity. This dual effect is expected to drive higher coal consumption in the coming period, according to energy sector analysis.
The International Energy Agency points out that El Niño conditions typically raise electricity demand for air conditioning and cooling systems. At the same time, reduced rainfall during such periods curtails hydropower availability, forcing greater reliance on thermal power sources including coal-fired generation.
