As the United States and China compete for dominance in artificial intelligence, energy is emerging as a critical battleground.
Former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson warns that while the US still leads in AI technology, electricity shortages could become a major constraint as data center demand surges.
China developed renewables for its energy security first and foremost, not just for profit or to power AI.
China spent $15 billion to build a dam in five years to serve 25 million people, while the US spent $35 billion on military operations in just four weeks.
China’s primary focus is on bettering China, while the US often focuses on competing with or surpassing China.
China has invested approximately one trillion dollars in renewable energy, while the US has invested a similar amount in military spending.
Its ultra-high voltage grid can transfer electricity across vast distances with little loss, which meshes well with their renewable energy investments.
In the US, leaders often think only as far ahead as the next election cycle, while in China, leaders make plans that extend decades into the future.
China can add as much renewable energy capacity in one year as Germany has in total.