Evolution of Coupling Coordination Between Artificial Intelligence and High-Quality Energy Development: Evidence from China

The coordinated development of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-quality energy development (HED) is essential for advancing digital transformation and energy transition. However, existing research primarily explores the unidirectional impact of AI on HED, neglecting their bidirectional relationship. Drawing on provincial data from China during 2012–2022, this study examines the coupling coordination between AI and HED (AHCC) and its spatiotemporal differentiation and driving factors. Results show that although both AI and HED advanced steadily, AI started from a lower base and remained below HED, and their spatial distributions were mismatched. The national average AHCC improved from mild imbalance to marginal imbalance, but large regional disparities persisted. Only several provinces—six in the east and two in the west—entered coordination stages, with most remaining in imbalance. Intensifying spatial autocorrelation of AHCC indicates that strong or weak regions are increasingly locked into self-reinforcing trajectories, making balanced regional development difficult. Regression results indicate that technological innovation, economic development level, and industrial structure upgrading significantly promote AHCC, whereas environmental regulation, urbanization level, and government intervention inhibit it. These effects exhibit pronounced spatiotemporal heterogeneity. This study enriches the theoretical understanding of AHCC and provides empirical evidence to inform coordinated digital and energy transition policies.