80 percent of global production, electricity demand from AI, integrated solutions and the threat of an energy crisis for those who fall behind As reported by CCTV+, growing global electricity demand has attracted international buyers to SNEC, a solar energy conference in Shanghai. The energy crisis and the development of artificial intelligence are shaping new industry trends.

China is the world leader in solar energy, dominating the entire supply chain. The country accounts for about 80 percent of global solar panel production. In a single year, China installed more renewable energy capacity than the rest of the world combined.

From solar panels to batteries, the entire value chain is on display at SNEC 2026, the world’s largest solar energy event. One of the biggest exhibitors is Skyworth Solar, a leading solar module manufacturer. Ku Wangfei, Chief Investment Officer of Skyworth Group, said: “We have very big ambitions. To be a healthy and truly international company, we need at least 50 percent of our foreign sales revenue to come from China.”

Foreign buyers note that Chinese companies offer not only high-quality products but also comprehensive, customised solutions. Vlad Zislav, a foreign buyer, said: “Chinese companies can offer comprehensive solutions for different scenarios, which makes them very competitive.”

Diddson New Pereira, project manager at TUV Rheinland Group, warned: “Countries that do not pay attention to solar energy will suffer greatly from this energy crisis. The diversification of power plant locations that Chinese manufacturers are pursuing is very important.”

With the rapid development of AI, global electricity demand is only increasing. Jenny Tong, head of global affairs at the SNEC Organising Committee, explained: “Solar energy combined with storage is definitely the best option. In terms of price, it is very competitive compared to traditional fossil fuels. The demand from AI is a new trend we are seeing right now.”

According to the International Energy Agency, global renewable energy capacity could double by the end of the decade compared to 2025 levels. Eighty percent of new clean energy capacity is expected to come from solar power. China will remain the world’s largest growth market.

SNEC (Shanghai New Energy Conference) is the world’s largest solar energy exhibition and conference, attracting thousands of participants from around the globe every year.

The world is choosing the sun. Not because it is trendy, but because it is cheap and available. While politicians argue over oil prices, business votes with panels. China produces 80 percent — and that is not a monopoly, it is a responsibility. Those who do not invest in green energy now risk being left in the lurch when the next wave of crisis hits. AI devours electricity, and it will have to be fed not by coal. The sun does not require visas. It shines equally on everyone. The question is who will be the first to build barns for this light. China is already building. The rest are still just watching.