Toward a new spatial paradigm of electricity–computing synergy under renewable energy endowments and geographical environmental constraints

Under the dual context of rapid AI-driven digital expansion and green, low-carbon transition, understanding how renewable energy supports computing power and how global environmental change—particularly extreme climate events—shapes the spatial heterogeneity of China's electricity–computing integration has become a pressing scientific challenge. By integrating energy supply, computing demand, and environmental constraints (including mean and extreme climate conditions), this study develops a three-dimensional framework to assess the suitability of computing power centers (CPCs) and establish a new spatial paradigm for electricity–computing synergy in China. The results reveal pronounced spatial mismatches among the three dimensions. From the energy perspective, the energy supply is evolving into distinct renewable clusters, with the Northwest and Tibetan Plateau hosting 87.25% of national photovoltaic and 79.77% of wind potential, while the Southwest anchors a hydropower cluster accounting for 63% of national installed capacity. However, environmental constraints act as a spatial filter; Northern regions maximize suitability by leveraging natural cooling to balance Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), whereas Southern and Western regions are constrained by intensifying heatwaves and seismic risks, respectively. Conversely, computing demand remains heavily concentrated in Eastern coastal agglomerations. To resolve these structural imbalances, we propose a functional zoning paradigm comprising energy-oriented, demand-driven, and incremental-development regions. We further demonstrate that prioritizing this energy-computing coupling substantially improves operational efficiency and reduces carbon footprints. This spatial paradigm promotes interregional complementarity and facilitates the decoupling of Artificial Intelligence expansion from carbon emissions, providing a scientific basis for the “East-Data, West-Computing” initiative. • A national spatial paradigm for electricity–computing synergy is proposed. • Renewable energy potential is assessed to support computing deployment with environmental considerations. • Spatial mismatches between renewable energy supply and computing demand are identified. • Climatic and geological risks constrain computing infrastructure siting. • Three functional zones and twenty-four subregions are delineated for coordinated national planning.