China's AI and EV Boom Fuels Record-Breaking Electricity Demand!
Analysis
Key Takeaways
- •China's electricity consumption in 2025 doubled the US's usage, hitting a record high.
- •Data centers for AI and electric vehicles are major drivers of increased power demand, with AI data centers up 17% over the prior year.
- •Despite record demand, China's shift towards renewables is showing promising progress as coal-based thermal power generation declines.
“China's mostly coal-based thermal power generation fell in 2025 for the first time in 10 years, government data showed on Monday, as growing renewable generation met growth in electricity demand even as overall power usage hit a record.”