China's electricity consumption continued to increase in the first 6 months of 2026, in the context of rapidly expanding fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet data services and high-tech manufacturing.
According to data released by the China National Energy Administration, total electricity consumption in the period from January to June reached nearly 5.1 trillion kWh, an increase of 5.3% compared to the same period last year.
Among the three main sectors of the economy, the service sector recorded the fastest growth rate, with electricity consumption reaching 991.6 billion kWh, an increase of 8%.
Notably, electricity consumption of internet data services increased by 44%, reaching 49.4 billion kWh. Meanwhile, charging and battery replacement services for electric vehicles increased by 56.9%, to 81 billion kWh.
According to Mr. Wu Liqiang - a member of the China Electricity Council, electricity demand from emerging industries is increasing rapidly. The amount of electricity consumed by internet data services in the first 6 months of 2026 is almost equivalent to the whole year of 2024.
He believes that the explosion of AI applications is becoming one of the important factors increasing electricity demand.
According to industry estimates, creating a 5-second high-resolution AI video can consume electricity equivalent to fully charging 10 smartphones.
In addition, electricity consumption of the equipment and high-tech manufacturing industry increased by 9.8% compared to the same period last year, reaching 600.8 billion kWh. This sector currently accounts for 24.3% of the total electricity consumption of the entire manufacturing industry in China.
