Chapter 13: Power Generation Coal Consumption

“You said what? Power generation coal consumption?” Wen Tianming was taken aback. After thinking for a long time, he embarrassedly said, “Sorry… I really don’t know much about that kind of data.”

Only then did Zhang Yifu realize he had spoken out of turn. This person was an administrative cadre; naturally, he shouldn’t discuss such technical topics.

But Wen Tianming seemed interested and instead asked, “Could you tell me what power generation coal consumption means? I usually do miscellaneous tasks, like filling in as a driver, just running around. I’d like to learn about the professional aspects of the power plant too, but everyone is always so busy…”

“This… are you serious?” Zhang Yifu obviously didn’t think a clerk would really be interested in these things.

“Serious, please explain.” Wen Tianming calmly nodded, unwilling to let go of a chance to gain knowledge.

As an industry “top-tier” Engineer, Zhang Yifu naturally had no intention of acting like a know-it-all in front of an ordinary clerk. But since Wen Tianming asked sincerely, explaining it a bit was fine.

“I’ll go with the simplest concept. Power generation coal consumption refers to the mass of coal consumed to generate each kilowatt-hour of electricity. For example, if I say 400 grams, that means our plant uses 400 grams of coal to generate one kilowatt-hour of electricity.”

“So that’s it! It doesn’t sound that difficult!” Wen Tianming laughed sheepishly.

“When broken down, it’s actually quite complex. From combustion to becoming electricity, it goes through too many devices and processes. Every point can affect the coal consumption. It’s a problem that gives the whole world a headache. Even the United States and Japan are desperately trying to reduce that one gram of coal consumption.”

“One gram? Is it that important?” Wen Tianming exclaimed in shock.

“Of course it is. Suppose our plant’s 900,000-kilowatt unit operates at full load for a year. The electricity generated would be around 8 billion kilowatt-hours. If each kilowatt-hour could consume one gram less coal, that would be… around 8,000 tons. By the way, how much does a ton of coal cost roughly these days?”

Zhang Yifu asked himself. Over there, Wen Tianming was completely stunned. Whether in knowledge, experience, or rough calculation ability, Zhang Yifu seemed to have surpassed even the Chief Engineer.

Zhang Yifu was still immersed in calculation and pressed on, “So how much roughly? I really don’t know this.”

Wen Tianming finally reacted and quickly answered, “The coal in our plant is supplied and allocated uniformly; it doesn’t involve that issue… According to people from smaller outside factories, a ton of coal seems to be worth about 50 yuan these days, which equals about half a month’s salary for us.”

“Then 8,000 tons of coal would be equivalent to… 400,000 yuan. Looking at it this way, it doesn’t seem like much. Did I miscalculate somewhere?” Zhang Yifu muttered to himself.

“My goodness! 400,000 yuan isn’t much?” Wen Tianming exclaimed in astonishment. “My monthly salary now is 120 yuan. 400,000… how long would I have to save up without eating or drinking?”

“Several hundred years.” Zhang Yifu gave a helpless smile. Only then did he realize the problem wasn’t with his calculation, but with his judgment. After 2010, a cadre at Wen Tianming’s level would probably have a salary of at least 3,000 yuan. Based on that proportion, the current 400,000 yuan would be equivalent to at least over 10 million yuan in the future.

Over 10 million yuan, that was no small amount anywhere, even in the large Power Plant he was in.

Wen Tianming now understood the importance of reducing coal consumption and couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement, “So saving one gram of coal… can save over 400,000 yuan a year. I really learned something.”

Zhang Yifu also stopped calculating. He put on a solemn expression and smiled along, “So, no matter which country, they all need to try their hardest to bring down the coal consumption, gram by gram. I read in the internal newsletter that Russia’s coal consumption is already controlled to around 330 grams. That’s like saving 70 or 80 grams compared to us. Calculated nationwide, over a year, that amount I can’t even reckon anymore, let alone the United States and Japan.”

Zhang Yifu said this with a hint of excessive humility. Actually, that wasn’t the case. He clearly knew that 20 years later, China’s average power generation coal consumption could be controlled to around 320 grams, no less than developed countries. If purely pursuing the limit, some Power Plants had already reduced it to 270 grams.

It was a long process to reduce coal consumption by 100 grams over twenty years. But Zhang Yifu was here now, so perhaps this process wouldn’t seem so distant anymore.

They chatted like this all the way. By the time they got out of the car, Wen Tianming already admired Zhang Yifu immensely, almost ready to kowtow. A university graduate was indeed a university graduate; they knew so much. The Factory Director was right to try so hard to win him over!

He didn’t realize that he had just been talking to a monster who was no less than top industry experts from Europe and America.

“Leave the luggage in the car first; let’s go report to the Factory Director.” Wen Tianming pulled Zhang Yifu and eagerly walked towards that six-story-high office building. “What you just said, talk to the Factory Director about it too. I guarantee the Factory Director will be pleased.”

“Who talks like that.” Zhang Yifu just felt Wen Tianming was somewhat naively cute. Technical personnel showing off their skills in front of the Leader was one of the three major workplace taboos.

Wen Tianming didn’t think so. His expression was surprisingly firm. “Our Director Niu is different. Although he hasn’t studied deeply into technology, he always respects technical personnel greatly, especially those who can actually improve production.”

“Is that so? I’ll see then.” Zhang Yifu nodded and followed Wen Tianming as they pushed open the glass door and entered this not-so-imposing office building.

The Workshop at the Power Plant was bustling, but the office building was usually very quiet. The two went up to the third floor and arrived at the office door with the brass plate “Factory Director”. They knocked a few times, but no one answered.

“Strange…” Wen Tianming seemed like his fervor had met with emptiness. He scratched his head anxiously. “The Factory Director is always here at this time.”

Just then, a head peeked out from an office not far away, blinking eyes looking over here. Then she walked out of the office and said softly, “Xiao Wen, don’t knock. The Factory Director is in a meeting.”

“Afternoon… there’s no meeting?” Wen Tianming muttered before realizing. He quickly greeted, “Secretary Zhen, sorry to disturb.”

“It’s fine.” The woman glanced towards Zhang Yifu and smiled sweetly. “This must be the new university graduate?”

“Yes, this is Zhang Yifu, graduated this year from Northern Electric Power Institute.” Wen Tianming hurriedly introduced Zhang Yifu. “This is the Factory Director’s secretary, Zhen Tian.”

Looking at this beautiful woman with long hair and big eyes, Zhang Yifu once again worried about how to address her.

Zhen Tian’s eyes shifted; she had clearly guessed Zhang Yifu’s dilemma. She brushed her hair with her left hand, stretched her right hand forward to shake hands first, and said, “Just call me Xiao Zhen.”

You could say the beauties of this era had a different kind of charm. Although their style and attire were somewhat retro, they had a sense of natural, pure freshness. Without relying on skincare products or makeup, that innocent, delightful feeling was something later times could hardly match.