#China #Shenzhen #Energy Storage #Huawei Digital Power #Global Solar Council

Introduction

On September 15, 2026, Shenzhen, China, played host to the 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum. This event, significant in its scope, was themed "Making the Most of Every Ray, Powering the Unpowered." Organized in collaboration with notable agencies including the Global Solar Council and Huawei Digital Power, the forum aimed to address pressing challenges in global energy, particularly the electricity gap. Participants consisted of industry leaders, academics, grid operators, and representatives from various enterprises worldwide, all coming together to explore advancements in grid-forming technologies and AI integration.

The Path Toward Energy Transition

Huawei's Director of the Board, Mr. Hou Jinlong, opened the forum with a critical observation: while a global energy transition is inevitable, tailored solutions are necessary. Regions around the world are grappling with distinct challenges; for instance, areas with higher renewable energy usage prioritize system safety, while emerging economies focus on reliable power supply and cost reduction. In less developed regions, enhancing access to electricity remains the top priority. Mr. Hou emphasized that integrating grid-forming technologies with AI presents a viable option for achieving sustainability and supply security, thus aiding in the transition process.

Insights on Grid-Forming Integration

During the event, the Global Solar Council representative spoke about the dramatic shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, urging that solar and energy storage systems need to be deeply integrated to create resilient power systems. His insights about energy independence aligned well with the ongoing technological revolutions that facilitate this transformation.

Wang Xiongfei, an esteemed IEEE Fellow from Tsinghua University, discussed the implications of artificial intelligence on future data centers. He argued that these centers should evolve from being mere power consumers to proactive participants in grid management, capable of sustaining and supporting the integrity of power grids. He highlighted that collaborative designs between chip and grid technologies can ensure efficient management and stability of energy systems.

Additionally, Patrick Clerens from Energy Storage Europe offered valuable context regarding the European energy market, indicating how grid-forming capabilities are becoming essential amidst rising renewable energy share—a sentiment echoed throughout the forum. He noted that countries are now auctioning grid-forming capabilities, thereby reinventing market dynamics and presenting new business prospects for energy storage ventures.

Industry Collaboration and Standards

Pouya Mostashar of Fraunhofer IWES presented results from Europe's initial megawatt-level grid-forming test, showcasing the effectiveness of energy storage systems in critical scenarios. This groundwork sets the standard for future certification and commercial initiatives regarding grid-forming technology.

In another highlight, Antonio M. Abuel Jr. from Terra Solar Philippines shared insights on the world’s largest integrated solar PV and energy storage project, MTerra. With a robust 3.5 GW PV system and cutting-edge storage capabilities, this project is a milestone in demonstrating how large-scale projects can efficiently contribute to energy systems—and potentially serve as a replicable model for other regions.

Conclusion of the Forum

The event culminated with the launch of the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Forming and AI, which aims to unify efforts across various sectors to enhance the standardization and application of groundbreaking technologies in energy management. This initiative seeks to tackle energy disparities, targeting roughly 700 million people currently lacking access to electricity. As technological advancements facilitate this transformation, a brighter and more sustainable energy landscape is on the horizon, propelled by innovations in renewable sources and AI integration.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum has undeniably laid the groundwork for future advancements in clean energy and established a collaborative foundation. As participants left with a shared vision of progressive energy solutions, the message was clear: a unified approach combining grid-forming and AI technologies is essential for addressing the energy challenges of our times, ensuring that access to affordable and clean electricity is a reality for all.