Beijing mandates green energy for AI data centres in new action plan
Beijing has announced that new data centers must prioritize green energy, connecting artificial intelligence growth to carbon reduction goals. A policy released on Friday by four government bodies—including the National Energy Administration and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology—outlines 29 strategies to integrate renewable energy with AI. Data center operators are encouraged to boost their use of renewable energy through green certificates and trading markets, while also moving away from diesel generators for backup power. The plan promotes the creation of domestic AI software and hardware focused on energy, specifically to improve local AI chip efficiency. By 2030, officials aim to create a system that harmonizes AI and energy to manage the rising power demands on China's grid.
Key facts
- Beijing released an action plan on Friday requiring AI data centres to adopt green energy.
- The plan includes 29 measures to improve integration of green power and AI.
- Four bodies issued the document: National Energy Administration, NDRC, MIIT, and National Data Administration.
- Operators must raise green electricity shares via green certificate and green power trading markets.
- Cleaner backup power systems are promoted to replace diesel generators.
- The plan promotes domestic AI software and hardware, including optimising domestic AI chips.
- Goal is to build a new development pattern of mutual empowerment between AI and energy by 2030.
- Rising AI power demand adds pressure to China's electricity grid.
Entities
Institutions
- National Energy Administration
- National Development and Reform Commission
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- National Data Administration
- State Council
- Xinhua
Locations
- Beijing
- China