As China advances toward its “dual carbon” goals of peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, the nation is placing a major bet on artificial intelligence to accelerate and optimize its green energy transition. A comprehensive plan released in September 2025 by the National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration calls for deep integration of AI across the energy sector to enhance efficiency, reliability, and the shift to low carbon sources.
The strategy blends China’s world leading renewable energy capacity with cutting edge AI capabilities, extending far beyond policy to deliver tangible environmental and economic gains.
A Deep Dive into AI’s Role in the Energy Sector
Recent initiatives and pilot projects have demonstrated how AI processes massive real time data from grids, renewables, and consumption patterns to deliver actionable insights rapidly. This enables smarter dispatching, precise forecasting, and optimized operations that reduce waste and boost renewable integration.
Key applications include:
-AI driven smart grids for real time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
-Advanced forecasting for wind and solar generation to minimize intermittency challenges.
-Virtual power plants and energy storage optimization for better demand response balancing.
-Efficiency improvements in data centres and industrial facilities, cutting emissions by hundreds of thousands of tons annually in trials.
Gearing Up for the Green Future
The push comes amid surging renewable installations, China already accounts for over 40% of global capacity and rising energy needs. By 2027, the plan targets a mature AI energy innovation system, with world-leading applications by 2030 in grid management, resource exploration, and nuclear safety. As China invests heavily in clean tech and sustainable infrastructure, this AI-powered approach not only supports domestic climate targets but positions the country to export green solutions worldwide. Through strategic fusion of artificial intelligence and energy, China is building the foundation for a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient future.
Author: Abel Vazquez Sanchez