42 intelligent computing clusters, 170 billion kilowatt-hours, dozens of industry-specific AI models, and a closed loop where energy creates scenarios and AI solves problems

As reported by CCTV+, China’s National Energy Administration has released its first annual report on the integration of artificial intelligence and energy development.

The report shows that the rapid development of AI is leading to sustained growth in global demand for computing power. According to the International Energy Agency, global data center electricity consumption will nearly double by 2030 compared to 2025.

By 2025, China had established 42 intelligent computing clusters, with tens of thousands of computing platforms operating daily. The total electricity consumption of computing centers nationwide reached 170 billion kilowatt-hours.

Regarding large-scale industry-specific models, China’s energy sector has deployed dozens of such models. They cover power grids, renewable energy, hydropower, thermal power, nuclear power, coal power and the oil and gas industry.

Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration, said: “We are forming a closed loop in which the energy industry creates application scenarios and AI solves problems; AI increases demand, and the energy industry optimizes supply accordingly. We are leveraging the strategic opportunities of rapid AI development and energy transformation to promote their deep and effective integration.”

Artificial intelligence is a hungry beast. By 2030, data centers around the world will consume twice as much electricity as they do today. China has already built 42 computing clusters and deployed dozens of industry-specific AI models. A closed loop: energy gives AI tasks, and AI helps energy become smarter. Demand rises — supply adapts. The question is not whether China can feed its digital economy. It can. The question is how long other countries will take to catch up. While they are only planning, China has already closed the loop. And AI is learning to save electricity just as fast as it spends it.