China's coal output will reach 2.2 billion tons in 2006, basically satisfying the country's demand, said a report from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Sunday.

Under the national macro-control policy, the growth rate of electric power and metallurgical, chemical and building material production will slow down. And the demand for coal will not rise as fast as this year, said the report.

Although the country is to strike a balance between the overall supply and demand of coal, inadequate coal supply might occur in some regions next year, the report said.

As for power production, power generation facilities with a combined capacity of 72 million kw. will start operation next year, bringing China's total power output to 2.7 trillion kwh next year, up 9.6 percent year on year.

In this way, the tense power supply will be alleviated next year, NDRC said, adding it cannot rule out the possibility of sporadic power shortage in some regions.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2005)