APEC energy ministers agree to cooperate on AI power supply

Energy ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have issued a joint statement in Beijing pledging to enhance energy security and supply chain resilience. The agreement comes in response to rising crude oil prices and the growing electricity demands driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure.

To address these challenges, participants agreed to establish a task force focused on the mutual advancement of AI and energy to integrate energy planning with AI infrastructure development. The ministers also recommended increasing the use of nuclear and renewable energy to meet rising power needs, while noting the potential impact of data center expansion on consumer electricity bills.

During the meeting, CLP Holdings CEO Chan Tung-keung emphasized the role of capital in supporting the regional energy transition. He highlighted Hong Kong’s potential to act as a financial hub to connect investors with clean energy and infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative.