Exploring Innovations in Energy Supply at the 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum
Harnessing Every Ray of Sunshine
On September 15, 2026, Shenzhen hosted the 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum, which aimed to discuss innovative ways to address the global energy gap. Under the theme "Optimizing Every Ray of Sunshine, Powering the Unserved," this event brought together leaders, esteemed scientists, network operators, and corporate representatives. The forum was jointly organized by several notable institutions, including the Global Solar Council and Huawei Digital Power.
During the opening speech, Hou Jinlong, a board member of Huawei and President of Huawei Digital Power, emphasized the global trends of decarbonization, electrification, digitalization, and intelligence as pivotal to the energy transition. He noted the lack of a universal solution, highlighting that different regions face unique challenges, from ensuring energy supply in emerging economies to providing inclusive power access in underdeveloped areas. He asserted that integrating grid-forming technology with artificial intelligence (AI) could deliver low-cost, highly reliable, and sustainable renewable energy solutions, thus fostering a healthier ecosystem for the digital energy economy.
A Shift Toward Renewable Energy
The forum marked a significant paradigm shift in the energy landscape, moving away from fossil fuel dependency. A representative of the Global Solar Council stated that the global community is transitioning to energy independence based on local solar and energy storage resources—especially in light of increased uncertainty globally. This shift is supported by recent technological advancements, which are instrumental in constructing more resilient and sustainable power grids.
In a session, Wang Xiongfei, an IEEE Fellow from Tsinghua University, discussed challenges originating from AI-driven data centers, proposing that future data centers should not only be large power consumers but also