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It also called for greener digital infrastructure through cooling system upgrades and other measures that improve 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 main focus, reflecting their dominant role in China’s emissions profile, Shen added, noting that more detailed sectoral targets were likely to follow.
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In the document, released on Wednesday, authorities also pledged tighter coordination between carbon reduction policies and industrial planning, including the use of digital and green technologies to upgrade traditional industries.
On the same day, the Central Committee and State Council also issued new evaluation measures that require local governments to develop action plans to cut carbon emissions and meet climate targets.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
