China targets greener AI data centres, heavy industry in push to meet 2030 climate goals

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New emission rules for strategic sectors come as the Iran war reinforces the need for energy security

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Xinyi Wuin BeijingPublished: 9:00pm, 23 Apr 2026China has released new guidelines to reduce carbon emissions across strategic sectors – including energy-intensive data centres – as Beijing pushes to secure its 2030 climate targets amid volatile energy prices triggered by the US-Israeli war in Iran.The 18-point document, issued by the ruling Communist Party’s powerful Central Committee and the State Council, China’s cabinet, called on heavy industries – including steel, non-ferrous metals and chemicals – to boost energy efficiency and accelerate the decarbonisation of industrial estates.Advertisement

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.

AdvertisementThe National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner, said on Thursday that the new measures would support Beijing’s pledge to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and bolster energy security.

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.

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