The surge in AI-driven computing demand has prompted GLP to expand its investments in intelligent computing infrastructure

• China has incorporated tiered electricity pricing for data centre energy efficiency into national policy, establishing a unified framework for key industrial sectors.
• Since 2024, Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Anhui have implemented localised policies, influencing regional data centre power strategies.

In March 2025, GLP launched its first China Data centre Income Fund I, raising RMB 2.6 billion (approximately USD 358 million)

• In November 2024, Beijing refined its tiered pricing policy, mandating differential charges for data centres exceeding PUE thresholds starting 2026.

• In terms of demand, it is driven by AI/digital transformation (32% CAGR forecast, 2025–2029). In Beijing, internet and cloud computing sectors dominated 82% of the IDC demand, in which internet sector (51.5%) is led by e-commerce and video streaming platforms; while cloud computing (30.6%) is driven by home grown hyperscalers.
• Traditional industries accounted for only 17.9%. Major data centre clients such as ByteDance and a major hyperscaler are reshaping the market through their scale and innovation, influencing regional infrastructure standards and service models.

Outlook

• For Users
  • Enterprises can relocate workloads to cost-effective neighbouring areas (e.g., Northwest China), reducing pressure on Beijing’s saturated market.
  • Average rack rental prices have declined, though demand is buoyed by AI-driven investments from tech giants, which are accelerating smart computing centre deployments.
• For Providers
  • Many legacy facilities still operate above national/local PUE standards, exposing them to significant cost pressures.
  • Proactive adaptation is critical to maintain competitiveness.