AI的尽头，竟然是戈壁的光、草原的风和远方的水？新型电力系统，新在哪里？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the critical role of electricity supply in the performance of AI systems and highlights the investment opportunities in China's power grid equipment sector amid a global energy crisis driven by increasing AI demand [2][4][5]. Group 1: Electricity Supply and AI - The electricity used by AI servers can come from various sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power, each potentially influencing AI performance [2]. - The demand for electricity is surging, with China's monthly electricity consumption exceeding 1 trillion kilowatt-hours, equivalent to Japan's annual usage, largely due to the development of ultra-high voltage transmission lines [4]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities in Power Grid Equipment - The China Securities Index for power grid equipment has seen a significant increase, rising from 1762.54 points in June to 2702.89 points, reflecting a nearly 40% increase [3]. - The only ETF focused on this sector has experienced substantial net inflows, growing from under 100 million yuan at the end of September to 2.585 billion yuan by December 9, marking a more than 20-fold increase [3][9]. Group 3: Global Energy Crisis and China's Position - Many countries in Europe and North America are facing power shortages due to extreme weather and aging infrastructure, while China's power grid construction is leading globally [5]. - The global demand for electricity is expected to rise significantly, with AI data centers projected to consume about 88 TWh annually by 2030, which will increase pressure on energy supplies [6]. Group 4: Future Projections and Strategic Investments - By 2030, AI is expected to account for 3% to 4% of global electricity demand, with data center electricity needs increasing by over 150% compared to 2023 [6]. - China's power grid equipment exports reached 22.246 billion yuan in the first four months of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 28.73%, indicating strong growth in this sector [6]. Group 5: Policy and Technological Drivers - The Chinese government is accelerating the construction of a new power system, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and smart grid technologies [11][12]. - Technological advancements, such as breakthroughs in controllable nuclear fusion, are expected to drive demand for transmission networks [13].