BEIJING, Dec. 27 -- The power shortage in China may be short-lived. China's State Development and Reform Commission said it should be over by 2006. This, during a ceremony marking the power-generating capacity of 400 million kilowatts.

    However, experts predict that another 500 million kilowatts are needed in the next 15 years. Three-fourths of the country's power supply is generated by thermal plants. These plants are powered by coal or oil. Other power producers include hydro-electric power, nuclear power and wind-power stations.

    Four years ago, China overtook France and the UK as the world's second largest power-generating country. The power shortage hit hardest this year, causing electricity outages in 27 provinces.

    (Source: CCTV.com)