China to shut down for the Olympics

[PR Newswire, 11 February] China is preparing to shut down large swathes of its heavy manufacturing and coal-fired power stations for up to 54 days this summer, in a bid to clean up host cities for the Olympic Games. According to reports citing information from Platts, government officials have "quietly" informed major coal-fired power stations, steel mills and other heavy polluters that a broad shut-down order will be issued 30 days before the games begin on 8 August. The shutdowns are likely to happen in and near Beijing and co-host Shenyang City, and will last until the Olympics end on 24 August. China is expected to cope by maximizing nuclear power production, gas-fired and oil-fired power plants.

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