China's NDRC and Energy Bureau release 15-5 Plan (2026–2030) for new-type power system, targeting 50% non-fossil electricity generation and modernizing grid for massive load growth; formal policy support for AI data center infrastructure expansion

On August 3, 2026, the National Development and Reform Commission and Energy Bureau released the "14th Five-Year Plan for New Power System Construction," serving as a top-level policy framework complementing the "14th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy" and related sectoral plans.

The Plan centers on coordinated integration of "source-grid-load-storage"—a shift that moves the power industry away from capacity-focused renewable energy additions toward holistic system optimization. It establishes quantitative targets across power generation, transmission, flexibility resources, demand, and market mechanisms, with the goal of essentially completing the new power system by 2030 and achieving 50% non-fossil fuel power generation.

According to CITIC Securities' research analysis, the policy framework is likely to provide sustained support for ultra-high voltage transmission, intelligent grid distribution, energy storage technologies, virtual power plants and other flexible adjustment resources, clean energy development, and power sector digitalization. The Plan is expected to accelerate implementation of capacity compensation mechanisms and capacity market policies as part of ongoing power sector reforms.