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Huawei's Bold Move Towards a New Energy Future

At the recent HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 conference held in Shanghai, Huawei made significant strides in reshaping the future of energy. The company hosted the 2026 Global Electric Power Summit under the thought-provoking theme, AI × Energy, exploring the fusion of artificial intelligence with energy systems. With over 600 representatives from global energy companies, industry organizations, and the media in attendance, the summit provided a platform for discussing innovative approaches to energy transformation, integrating digital and intelligent technologies into the sector.

The summit showcased six pioneering energy projects that highlight comprehensive, digital, and intelligent transformation processes. These projects encompass the entire spectrum of energy—from generation to consumption and from local implementations to international markets. This marks a substantial shift for the energy industry, moving away from traditional, linear methods of technology deployment to a synergistic approach that melds computational power with energy production and management.

Transformative Changes in the Global Energy Landscape

The global energy landscape is witnessing critical changes driven by the transition to renewable energy sources. Distributed energy has become essential for reducing dependence on external power and maintaining the stability of distribution networks, ensuring widespread access to electricity.

Philippe Adam, Secretary-General of CIGRE, underscored the magnitude of this transformation in his address, stating that the energy industry is undergoing significant shifts propelled by the energy transition, artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC), and increasing digitalization. The emergence of renewable energy, intelligent transformations, and the pressing issue of electricity access for 700 million people globally has rendered AI a crucial component for the longevity of energy systems.

Huawei envisions that low voltage networks—often viewed as bottlenecks in electrical grids—will pave the way for extensive applications of AI. To bridge the gaps in managing low-voltage networks, a systematic and transparent management framework is required. This framework will encompass six critical capabilities: observability, measurability, controllability, adaptability, tradability, and traceability, all vital for long-term sustainability.

David Sun, Chief Executive of Huawei's Energy Digitalization Unit, emphasized that the essence of transparency in low voltage management revolves around achieving faster data processing, improving quality, and boosting cost efficiency. For the establishment of a new energy ecosystem, he pointed out that the industry must prioritize three key areas: developing digital talent, upgrading digital infrastructure, and ensuring a robust regulatory platform for active management.

Highlighting Successful Practices Through Global Projects

During the summit, Huawei introduced six global showcase projects, exemplifying various successful practices in energy management. These included projects such as:

• - A digital and intelligent power distribution network by CEMIG in Brazil.
• - A demonstration area for a new energy system utilizing collaborative networks and microgrids managed by the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau under China Southern Power Grid.
• - Smart diagnostics and management of a new power distribution network in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, China.
• - Intelligent power supply and consumption management systems in Jiangxi Province.
• - A digital converter station rated at ±800kV in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.
• - A communications network for energy management in Liaoning Province.

These initiatives showcase a multifaceted approach to energy delivery, demonstrating effective practices in the era of intelligent technology.

Looking Towards the Future

As the industry moves forward, Huawei remains committed to leveraging its strengths in information and communications technology. The company plans to utilize its three-tier framework comprised of metrics, architectures, and technologies to collaborate with global energy enterprises, standard-setting organizations, and ecosystem partners. This collaboration aims to stimulate innovation, promote industry modernization, and enhance the overall prosperity of the energy ecosystem.

Huawei's bold initiatives signify a transformative leap for the energy sector, capitalizing on AI's potential to reshape how energy is produced and consumed.