China's AI Energy Demands Drive Power Grid Transformation and Computing-Power Coordination
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By Zhao Xuan, Fan Ruohong and Han Wei Published: Jun. 22, 2026 5:35 a.m. GMT+8
Summary
China's AI boom is driving massive energy demand, forcing the country to rewire its power grid. The article uses Datang International Power Generation as a case study — its stock surged 130% in a month after launching a solar plant in a cloud computing hub, despite having no operational synergy project. The Chinese government endorsed "computing-power coordination" in its March 2026 work report, and on May 8, four top bodies issued a joint action plan. China is moving data hubs to the desert and testing virtual power plants to synchronize digital growth with green energy.
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Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe market overreacted to the concept of 'computing and power synergy,' even though Datang only invested in the power side and had no operational synergy project.
Driven by AI's huge thirst for energy, China is moving data hubs to the desert and testing virtual power plants to synchronize digital growth with green energy.
In March 2026, the Chinese government officially endorsed computing-power coordination in its work report.
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