Chinese authorities have issued new emission rules targeting strategic sectors including AI data centres to meet 2030 climate goals. The move comes amid the Iran war heightening energy security needs. The rules also call for greener digital infrastructure.
Chinese authorities released a document on Wednesday outlining new emission rules for heavy industry and digital infrastructure to advance 2030 climate goals. It calls for greener digital setups through cooling system upgrades and measures to boost energy efficiency per unit of computing power in data centres and communication networks.
"The inclusion of digital infrastructure is notable," said Shen Xinyi, senior adviser at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air think tank. "This reflects the growing recognition that new drivers of demand, particularly from AI and digitalisation, could become a significant source of incremental energy consumption."
Heavy industries remain the primary focus due to their dominant role in China's emissions profile, Shen added, with more detailed sectoral targets likely to follow. On the same day, the Central Committee and State Council issued evaluation measures requiring local governments to develop action plans for cutting carbon emissions and meeting climate targets.
The document pledges tighter coordination between carbon reduction policies and industrial planning, including the use of digital and green technologies to upgrade traditional industries. This push aligns with heightened energy security needs amid the Iran war.
