China has unveiled its first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered operating model for a 10 million kilowatt (10 GW) integrated clean energy complex, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combine advanced AI technologies with large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
Developed by the Yalong River Hydroelectric Development Company, the AI model has been deployed at the Yalong River Basin in Sichuan Province, one of China’s largest renewable energy hubs. The complex integrates hydropower, wind energy and solar power, creating a unified clean energy system capable of delivering reliable and efficient electricity generation.
The newly introduced AI system is designed to support the entire operational chain of the energy complex, including resource forecasting, power generation scheduling, electricity distribution, reservoir management, equipment monitoring and electricity trading. By coordinating multiple renewable energy sources in real time, the platform aims to improve overall system efficiency and grid reliability.
A unique feature of the project is its computing infrastructure. The AI model operates on a domestic computing platform powered by a smart computing centre built inside a mountain cave, the first facility of its kind in China. The underground location provides a stable environment for high-performance computing while supporting the country’s indigenous AI ecosystem.
According to the developers, the AI model has significantly improved operational capabilities. It has extended the effective river flow forecasting period from approximately 10 days to 60 days, allowing operators to make more informed reservoir management decisions. In addition, the system can identify faults in solar power equipment with more than 96% accuracy, enabling faster maintenance and reducing downtime.
Professor Chen Deliang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said the platform represents a shift from reactive energy management to forecast-driven, science-based operations, allowing renewable energy assets to operate more efficiently while responding to changing weather and electricity demand.
The Yalong River Basin is expected to become one of China’s largest renewable energy bases, with its total installed clean energy capacity projected to reach 78 million kilowatts (78 GW) by 2035. Officials believe the new AI operating model can be replicated across similar renewable energy projects throughout the country.
Zhao Zhenghai, Vice President of the China Institute of Renewable Energy Technology Research, described the platform as the country’s first intelligent solution covering the complete operational lifecycle of a 10 GW integrated clean energy complex. He added that the technology demonstrates the increasingly important role artificial intelligence will play in supporting China’s green energy transition.
Experts believe that integrating AI into renewable energy infrastructure will improve forecasting accuracy, optimise power generation, strengthen grid flexibility and enhance energy security. As global energy systems become increasingly complex, AI-driven solutions are expected to play a vital role in accelerating the transition towards cleaner, smarter and more resilient energy networks.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for complete technical and project details.
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