China is betting big on energy storage as AI drives surge in power demand
Beijing plans to boost research into a slew of next-generation battery technologies as it strives to make its renewables sector more efficient
China has unveiled plans to boost its energy storage sector as it strives to shore up its energy security and cope with a surge in power demand from emerging industries such as artificial intelligence.
The action plan, which was jointly issued by eight government departments, includes measures to step up the development of a slew of next-generation battery technologies and create a small group of leading companies in the field.
The hope is that new energy storage solutions can help China increase efficiency in its renewables sector, allowing it to transition away from fossil fuels without making the power grid vulnerable to outages.
“It is about energy sovereignty – not only ensuring sufficient energy supplies in anticipation of rising demand due to AI, but also maintaining the autonomy to decide the energy mix, energy partners and energy policies China adopts,” said Liang Yan, a professor of economics at Willamette University in the United States.
The policy would also help China meet its “double carbon goals” – namely, reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, Liang added.
By 2027, China aims to develop three to five leading energy storage enterprises, enhance the global competitiveness of its domestic industry, and deliver higher-performance products, according to the plan.
