#China #solar energy #Shenzhen #Energy Storage #Huawei Digital Power

Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum 2026

On September 15, 2026, the Global Low-Carbon Industry Forum was held in Shenzhen under the theme "Making the Most of Every Ray, Powering the Unpowered." This landmark event was co-hosted by the Global Solar Council, the Chinese Energy Research Society, the World Alliance for Low-Carbon Cities, the International Graduate School of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, and Huawei Digital Power. Leaders in the energy sector, top scientists, network operators, and business representatives gathered from around the world to discuss how the integration of networking technologies and artificial intelligence can transform the global energy sector.

Keynote Insights

During his opening remarks, Hou Jinlong, director of Huawei’s board and president of Huawei Digital Power, emphasized that decarbonization, electrification, digitalization, and intelligence are now long-term trends shaping global energy transformation. He noted that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for transitioning to new energy systems, as regions and economies face unique and structurally complex challenges. In areas with high renewable energy shares, system security is paramount, while developing economies focus on ensuring energy supply and reducing costs. Less developed regions prioritize inclusive access to electricity.

The integration of networking technology with artificial intelligence allows renewable energy sources to achieve low costs, high reliability, sustainability, and supply security—offering a new, replicable, and feasible solution for energy transformation. Huawei Digital Power is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to promote its vision of a "network everywhere, AI for everyone" while building a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable digital energy ecosystem.

Emerging Trends in Energy

The global energy sector is undergoing profound paradigm shifts. In a keynote address, a representative from the Global Solar Council shared insights into how the world is shifting from fossil fuel dependency to energy independence based on localized solar sources and energy storage due to increasing uncertainties. This technology revolution has enabled this transformation, where the deep integration of solar photovoltaics and energy storage will be crucial in establishing a more resilient and sustainable energy system.

Professor Wang Xiongfei from Tsinghua University discussed the new challenges posed by gigawatt-capacity Artificial Intelligence Data Centers (AIDCs). He noted that future data centers should not just be large energy consumers but should evolve into grid-friendly loads capable of sensing grid conditions and proactively supporting it with a degree of resilience against outages. He proposed a collaborative design concept from chip to grid, emphasizing that critical technologies like energy storage within grid formation, resource management optimization, and coordinated load shaping can ensure friendly interactions between data centers and energy networks, ensuring stable operation for future computing infrastructures.

The Future of Energy Market Mechanisms

Patrick Clerens, secretary-general of Energy Storage Europe, presented a keynote titled "Energy Storage Markets in Europe—Market Mechanisms and Network Services Development." He illustrated the evolution of energy storage market mechanisms in the EU driven by supply security needs and electricity market structure reforms. As the share of renewable energy increases, system inertia decreases, making network formation capabilities essential.

Clerens highlighted that countries such as Germany have commenced auctions for capacity building that foster new business models and valuable opportunities for energy storage. He underscored the importance of synthetic inertia and frequency support in accommodating the growing share of renewables in the energy landscape.

Innovative Collaborations and Initiatives

Dr. Liu Yunfeng, principal scientist at Huawei Digital Power, addressed the audience on the topic "Grid Formation + AI Drives Silicon Evolution of Energy Internet." He articulated the shift in energy systems from 'electromechanical systems' to 'programmable silicon-based systems' and how the stability of these systems is transitioning from a 'natural property' to a 'designed capability.' Liu introduced Huawei's comprehensive validation system in networking technologies, asserting that AI is not an optional feature for the energy internet, but an essential capability for achieving the autonomy of complex systems.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The culmination of the event witnessed the launch of the Global Joint Initiative on Grid Formation and AI, spearheaded by the Global Solar Council, the Chinese Energy Research Society, the World Alliance for Low-Carbon Cities, Tsinghua University, Huawei Digital Power, and industry partners. This initiative unites the sector to accelerate the widespread adoption and standardization of grid formation and AI technologies. Technological innovations will be leveraged to address energy imbalances and provide green, stable, and affordable electricity for all, particularly for the approximately 700 million people globally who lack access to electricity. Specific measures will be undertaken to meet the mission of bridging global disparities in energy supply. With grid formation and AI technologies, a rapidly forming green, stable, and intelligent energy system, bolstered by renewable sources such as solar and wind power and energy storage, is on the horizon.