- China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced it will deploy at least 5 specialized AI models for the energy sector, aiming to integrate this advanced technology into its electricity, coal, oil, and gas systems.
- An AI framework in energy will be completed by 2027, paving the way for the goal of becoming a global leader in energy AI by 2030.
- China will build 10 replicable pilot projects and develop 100 practical application scenarios, focusing on core technological breakthroughs and the connection between power grids and computing power.
- This is part of the nationwide “AI Plus” strategy, which encourages the deployment of AI in all production and service sectors, with energy being a pioneering field due to its strong digital foundation and high-quality data.
- The government will establish a specialized AI research and innovation platform for energy, while also training experts with interdisciplinary knowledge in AI and energy.
- Over the next two years, China will build a financial system to support AI R&D, with the ambition of developing a unique innovation model suited to domestic conditions.
- 8 application areas for AI in energy include:
- Forecasting electricity supply and demand
- Smart grid diagnostics
- Predictive equipment maintenance
- Hydropower construction in high-altitude and cold regions
- Large reservoir management
- Hydrological and weather forecasting
- Enhancing nuclear safety warnings
- Optimizing fuel use at thermal power plants
- In parallel, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will integrate AI and robotics into the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), aiming to maintain a reasonable share of industry in the national economy.
📌 China aims to dominate global AI in the energy sector by 2030, with plans to deploy at least 5 specialized AI models, 100 practical applications, and a dedicated AI innovation ecosystem. The “AI Plus” strategy shows an all-out effort from the government to integrate AI into energy infrastructure, boosting forecasting, smart maintenance, and production optimization – especially in complex areas like nuclear, hydropower, and renewable energy. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) will integrate AI and robotics into the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).
