广播听力: Chinese Total Energy Production Increases 9 Percent Year-on-Year in First Three Quarters

Zhou Xi'an, a senior official at the National Energy Bureau, says China's energy economy is maintaining sound and quick development, despite the influence of the global financial crisis and cyclical changes in the macro economy.

Zhou Xi'an said at a news conference on Monday that a rebound in China's economy has promoted development of its energy economy in the third quarter.

"Pushed by industrial demand, including demand for electric power, steel, building materials and non-ferrous metals, coal demand and supply appears basically balanced in principal areas. China's total energy supply remains stable and energy production continues to increase."(www.hXen.com)

Furthermore, Zhou says China has developed clean energy sources and significantly increased investment in water, nuclear and wind power this year.

He says the Chinese economy has just entered a period of stability and rebound, but is facing some challenges as well as advantages in the next period.

"The current economic situation is better than we had expected earlier this year. The development of the economy has been stronger in this period, but the foundation of the rebound isn't yet stable and balanced. We expect the energy economy to maintain a positive momentum in the fourth quarter."

Zhou adds that energy supply and consumption will grow in 2009 compared to last year, but this year's month-to-month growth will still be relatively slow.

Shuang Feng, CRI news.