AI and Data Centers Surge in Guian as First-Half Electricity Demand Jumps 33 Percent

Power consumption in the Guian New Area grew 33.69 percent year over year during the first half of 2026, driven by rapid expansion across artificial intelligence infrastructure and data center clusters in southwestern China. Total electricity usage across the development zone reached 3.12 billion kilowatt-hours through late June, according to data released Thursday by the China Southern Power Grid Guian Power Supply Bureau. The digital economy served as the primary driver of the surge. Electricity consumed by big data operations reached 1.93 billion kilowatt-hours, representing a 52.2 percent year-over-year increase—substantially outpacing general industrial power growth. “Electricity consumption expanded steadily thanks…