Core Insights - China's electricity consumption reached 1.02 trillion kilowatt-hours last month, marking the first time it has surpassed the trillion-kilowatt-hour threshold in a month [1] - This achievement reflects China's strategic prowess in energy management, emphasizing that "electricity is national power" [2][4] - Unlike many countries that faced energy crises, China maintained stable electricity supply during extreme weather, showcasing the effectiveness of its "strong grid" strategy developed over the past decade [6] Electricity Generation and Global Standing - By 2024, China's annual electricity generation is projected to reach 10.1 trillion kilowatt-hours, more than double that of the United States, accounting for 32.3% of global electricity generation [7] - This substantial generation capacity positions China as a cornerstone of the global energy system, earning it the title of the first true "electric power empire" in human history [7] Implications for AI Development - The increasing electricity supply is crucial for the development of AI, which relies heavily on power for its infrastructure [9] - For instance, a single NVIDIA H100 AI server consumes nearly 1.2 kilowatts per hour, and a cluster of 10,000 such servers would require over 100 million kilowatt-hours annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of a small city [9][10] - The International Energy Agency predicts that global data centers will consume over 10 trillion kilowatt-hours by 2026, surpassing Germany's total electricity consumption for 2023 [10] Competition for Energy Resources - Major tech companies are competing for stable electricity supplies, with firms like Meta signing long-term nuclear energy procurement contracts [10][11] - Companies such as Microsoft are actively seeking reliable power generation projects, while others face project delays due to insufficient electricity [11] Transition to Electric Vehicles - Electricity is becoming a key factor in reducing dependence on oil, particularly in the context of electric vehicle (EV) development [13] - Many European countries struggle with low EV adoption rates due to inadequate grid capacity and high electricity costs, while China has successfully supported millions of EVs and established extensive high-speed charging networks [14][15] - China's ability to provide stable electricity across urban and rural areas, including remote regions, enables its EV market to thrive, contrasting with the challenges faced by other countries [14][15] Conclusion - Over the past few decades, China has built the world's strongest electricity grid and generation capacity, positioning itself favorably in the upcoming technological competition [17] - In an era where "electricity equals national power," China's early strategic investments in energy infrastructure have set it apart as a leading player in the global energy landscape [17]