China to Synchronise Power Grid Expansion with AI Data‑Center Growth

China’s 15th five‑year plan (2026‑2030) calls for coordinated development of electricity infrastructure and artificial‑intelligence computing capacity. The surge in AI workloads, such as generating high‑resolution video that consumes as much energy as charging ten smartphones, is driving a sharp rise in power demand from data centres.

The plan directs large renewable‑energy clusters in the western regions to be paired with national supercomputing facilities, while eastern computing sites will rely on distributed micro‑grids, ultra‑small grids and virtual power plants. Data‑centre operators that meet green‑energy criteria will be encouraged to connect directly to renewable sources, trade green electricity and obtain green‑energy certificates, acting as flexible regulators in the power market.

According to China’s National Energy Administration, installed generation capacity has now exceeded 4 terawatts, surpassing the combined capacity of the United States, the European Union, India, Japan and Russia, with renewables accounting for 61 % of the mix. The integrated approach is intended to underpin China’s goal of AI adoption in more than 90 % of society by 2030.