China has unveiled an ambitious action plan to accelerate the low-carbon transition of its data center industry, setting bold targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy use. The plan, jointly issued on Tuesday by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and two other central government agencies, outlines a roadmap for green development in one of the nation’s fastest-growing energy-consuming sectors.
Under the plan, by 2025, the average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of data centers—a key metric for energy efficiency—will be lowered to less than 1.5. Additionally, the utilization rate of renewable energy in data centers is set to increase by 10 percent annually. These targets are part of China’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable growth.
Data centers are critical infrastructure supporting the development of new productive forces, yet they contribute significantly to energy consumption. With power usage in China’s data centers expected to climb by 15 percent annually, the need for a green transformation is pressing.
Looking ahead to 2030, the action plan proposes that data centers across the country will achieve internationally advanced levels in average PUE, as well as energy and carbon efficiency per unit of computing power. The utilization rate of renewable energy is also expected to be further improved, cementing China’s commitment to environmentally friendly development.
To meet these ambitious goals, China will optimize the layout of data centers, tighten energy and water use efficiency requirements for new projects, and facilitate energy-saving and carbon reduction transformations of existing facilities. The plan also emphasizes the promotion of energy-saving technologies and equipment within the industry.
According to industrial data, China’s total computing power now ranks second in the world. By the end of 2023, the number of data center racks in use topped 8.1 million across the country, highlighting the scale and significance of the sector.
The release of this action plan signifies China’s dedication to balancing rapid technological advancement with environmental stewardship, setting an example for sustainable development in the data center industry globally.
