[Policy Update] CAC and Six Ministries Jointly Issue "Implementation Plan for Synergistic Digital and Green Transformation (2026–2030)"

📰 News Highlight

Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), alongside six ministries including the NDRC, MIIT, and MEE, jointly issued the "Implementation Plan for Promoting the Synergistic Development of Digital and Green Transformation (2026–2030)" (the "Plan").

⚙️ Core Components

1.       Enabling Green Innovation via AI and Digital Tech: By 2030, the low-cost and high-efficiency advantages of artificial intelligence will be deeply integrated into green tech innovation and industrial growth.

2.       Mandatory Renewable Benchmarks for Digital Infrastructure: The Plan mandates substantial energy efficiency improvements for emerging digital assets like data centers, computing clusters, and 5G base stations.

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       Binding Green Power Quotas for Data Centers: Tying data center renewable power consumption directly to provincial RPS targets introduces a hard regulatory compliance ceiling for tech giants and cloud operators.

2.       Surging Demand for Green Computing and Edge Energy Solutions: The dual requirements of scaling computing power while curbing emissions will accelerate commercial adoption of energy-efficient chip architectures, advanced liquid-cooling systems, and AI-driven load-balancing software.

[Market Update] China-Led International Standard on Net-Zero Carbon Cities Formally Approved by ISO

Recently, the international standard proposal “Sustainable Cities and Communities Net-Zero Cities Part 2: Principles and Elements” (ISO 37115-2), led by China, was officially approved for development by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

💡 Key Takeaways

1.       A Measurable Global Operating Manual for Cities: The standard provides a measurable, replicable, and verifiable action framework covering key sectors, including energy, transport, buildings, industry, agriculture, and circular economy.

2.       Transitioning from Isolated Pilots to Universal Paradigms: The initiative marks a major breakthrough in China’s leadership in international urban decarbonization standards.

3.       Strategic Policy and Industry Alignment: Maintain strong communication with local governments and international standard-setting bodies to advance green policies.

[Carbon Market]

During September 07 – September 11, the total transaction volume of Carbon Emission Allowances (CEA) in the Chinese National Carbon Market reached 7,942,712 tons, with a total transaction value of USD 112,129,227.39. The highest price was USD 14.24/ton, and the lowest price was USD 13.99/ton. For bulk agreement transactions, the volume was 5,631,650 tons, with a transaction value of USD 79,435,226.16.