NDRC: Construction of Computing Power Network to Attract RMB 4 Trillion in New Direct Investment During the 15th Five-Year Plan Period

Jiang Yi, Director of the Policy Research Office and Spokesperson of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), stated at a press conference that according to relevant estimates, the construction of the computing power network will generate RMB 4 trillion in new direct investment during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). Given that computing power construction is predominantly funded by enterprises, this will create significant opportunities for private investment. The NDRC will strengthen planning guidance, factor guarantee, and other supporting efforts to foster a favorable environment for private investment.

What exactly is the computing power network? In simple terms, it is a "national power grid for computing power." Just as we do not need to install generators in every household because a unified power grid handles construction and distribution, the computing power network connects data centers and supercomputing centers across the country into a single integrated system for coordinated scheduling. When needed, users can directly "purchase computing power" on this network on a pay-per-use basis, which will naturally drive down costs.

In the era of computing power, the Token serves as the basic unit of measurement for AI information processing. Total Token consumption reflects the depth and breadth of application of innovative AI technologies such as intelligent agents, while Token cost reflects the efficiency of algorithms and computing power. As technology continues to mature and computing power supply is progressively optimized, the cost per unit Token will gradually decline.

The construction of the computing power network not only serves public needs but also, from an economic development perspective, resembles the construction of high-speed railways and 5G networks in its powerful "multiplier effect." It not only stimulates investment but also drives the upgrading of entire industrial chains, including artificial intelligence, big data, and the industrial internet.

The "Six Networks," which include the computing power network, are major infrastructure projects being coordinated and promoted by the NDRC. They encompass the water network, new-type power grid, computing power network, next-generation communication network, urban underground pipeline network, and logistics network. These projects aim to expand domestic demand and stabilize growth through large-scale investment (expected to exceed RMB 7 trillion in 2026). The "Six Networks" are not developed in isolation; rather, they emphasize integrated networking and coordinated synergy, with each network having clearly defined construction priorities and objectives.