Summary
A report by think tank Ember highlights China's significant role in both clean energy investment and carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution globally. China's investments in solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles have made it a leader in clean energy, reducing costs worldwide. However, China continues to face challenges in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Facts
- China is a major player in clean energy, producing 60% of the world's wind turbines and 80% of solar panels.
- The cost of solar technology has dropped more than 90% since 2010, with China playing a major role in this reduction.
- China has invested significantly in renewable energy, contributing nearly a third of the global total with $625 billion last year.
- The Chinese clean energy sector, including solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, is expanding rapidly, adding $1.9 trillion to the economy.
- China has financed electric technology markets abroad, investing $80 billion in emerging markets.
- Despite advancements in clean energy, China still contributes significantly to global CO2 emissions.
- The country's energy technology patent applications rose from 5% to 75% of the global total.
- China's economy benefits from its energy investments, but its state-subsidized industries have drawn concern from other nations.
