As global competition in artificial intelligence intensifies, analysts highlight China’s strategic advantage through renewable energy infrastructure. Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently told CGTN that sustainable power deployment – not just technological innovation – is becoming the decisive factor in AI development.
"The real value lies in operationalizing these technologies at scale," Myllyvirta explained, noting that China currently operates 40% of the world’s renewable-powered data centers. This infrastructure enables cost-effective AI model training while meeting international sustainability benchmarks.
Industry observers point to China’s simultaneous investments in wind/solar capacity and next-generation computing hubs as creating a unique synergy. The National Development and Reform Commission recently announced plans to power 60% of all new data centers with clean electricity by 2026.
This development carries implications for global tech firms and investors. As climate regulations tighten worldwide, access to green-powered computing resources may determine market leadership in machine learning applications from autonomous systems to medical diagnostics.
While the United States maintains semiconductor advantages, China’s grid-scale renewable projects along the Yangtze River Economic Belt suggest an alternative pathway for AI development – one increasingly attractive to Southeast Asian partners through Beijing’s Digital Silk Road initiatives.
