中国用电量破10万亿,格局之变藏着AI时代先手棋|新京报专栏
Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-20 11:43

Core Insights - China is projected to surpass other countries in electricity consumption and AI computing power by 2025, with total electricity consumption expected to exceed 10 trillion kilowatt-hours, doubling from 2015 levels and surpassing the annual consumption of the US and other major economies combined [1][4][7] Group 1: Electricity Consumption Growth - By 2025, China's total electricity consumption is expected to grow by 5.0% year-on-year, with the secondary industry accounting for 64% of this consumption, indicating a shift from traditional high-energy industries to high-end manufacturing [4][5] - The rapid growth in electricity consumption is driven by industrial modernization, the rise of new energy vehicles, and the increasing demand from AI applications, reflecting a transformation in the economic structure [4][5][6] Group 2: New Energy Vehicles and AI - The electric vehicle sector is a significant contributor to electricity demand, with the charging and swapping service industry projected to grow by 48.8% in electricity consumption by 2025, driven by the adoption of household and commercial electric vehicles [5][6] - AI's development, particularly in large model training and inference, is highly energy-intensive, with data centers consuming electricity comparable to that of small cities, highlighting the importance of stable electricity supply for AI advancements [5][6][10] Group 3: Power Supply and Infrastructure - China's power supply system is the largest and most advanced globally, with total installed capacity expected to exceed 3.8 billion kilowatts by 2025, accounting for one-third of global capacity and achieving a supply reliability rate of 99.9% [7][9] - The transition to a clean energy structure is evident, with non-fossil energy sources accounting for over 60% of installed capacity, and significant growth in wind and solar power installations [7][9][13] Group 4: Strategic Energy Planning - China's strategic planning emphasizes building a robust energy system to support future industries, including AI and high-end manufacturing, through investments in large hydropower projects and other renewable energy sources [10][11][13] - The development of a resilient energy supply network, including 46 ultra-high voltage transmission lines, enhances the efficiency of energy distribution across regions, ensuring that clean energy reaches demand centers effectively [9][10][12] Group 5: Global Competitive Advantage - The substantial surplus electricity capacity projected for China by 2030, estimated at around 400 gigawatts, is more than three times the current electricity demand of global data centers, positioning China favorably in the global AI competition [10][11][14] - The ongoing advancements in energy infrastructure and technology are expected to reshape the global energy and technology competition landscape, with China's energy strategy serving as a model for sustainable development [13][14]

中国用电量破10万亿,格局之变藏着AI时代先手棋|新京报专栏 - Reportify