CHN Energy's coal production and sales rose year on year in the first half, while power generation also increased, the state-owned energy giant said.

The company produced and sold about 420 million tonnes of coal in January-June, up 6.9% from the same period last year, spokesperson Zhao Zhezhi said on July 29. Power generation reached nearly 600 billion kWh, up 3.3% year on year.

Rail freight volume, loading at two ports and shipping cargo loading all rose more than 5% year on year, while chemical output exceeded 13.8 million tonnes, up 2.2%.

At a second-quarter press conference, Zhao said the group optimized coal mining area succession in the first half, with core production areas maintaining a stable output base and purchased coal volumes hitting a record high. The average price of long-term contract self-produced coal was significantly below spot prices at ports, effectively lowering power generation costs for the whole society.

The group's total installed power capacity surpassed 400 GW, with average monthly power generation holding at 100 billion kWh, and heating supply ranking first in the country.

Zhao said the group accelerated efforts on large-scale new energy bases in the first half, securing development rights for the Kubuqi base in Inner Mongolia. The Shuangjiangkou hydropower station, featuring the world's highest dam, began grid-connected power generation.

The group also pushed forward with traditional industry upgrades, with four units included in the national new-generation coal power demonstration projects. Expansion work at Huanghua port phase five, Tianjin port phase two and the Shuohuang railway capacity enhancement project progressed. The domestic section of the second cross-border bridge between China and Mongolia was completed.

Zhao said the group implemented an active coal purchasing and sales strategy, maintaining the top market share in coal and power in the first half. Non-coal logistics diversified, with rapid growth in oil, chemical products and container block train services. Polyolefin exports reached 248,000 tonnes, up 57% year on year. China Shenhua Energy completed a major asset restructuring. The group's brand value exceeded 350 billion yuan, up 9% year on year.

As temperatures continue to rise across most of China, power loads have climbed. Sun Yandong, deputy director of the group's general dispatch office, said the group has strengthened supply responsibilities. On July 14, national power load reached 1.55 billion kW, with CHN Energy's generation load exceeding 197 GW, accounting for over one-eighth of the national total and hitting a record high. During the evening peak that day, the group's thermal power unit startup rate reached 88%, with 17 thermal power subsidiaries operating at over 80% load.