China dominates global clean technology supply chains, according to the International Energy Agency

China has made significant investments in clean technologies in recent years. Its investment boom is evident across the entire supply chain, from mining critical raw materials to manufacturing the technologies themselves. In response, the United States and European countries have in recent years made strenuous efforts to support the solar panel and battery manufacturing industries. However, data from the International Energy Agency suggest that China’s dominance will continue to strengthen through 2030. High energy commodity prices in the European Union could also work in its favor.  

According to the International Energy Agency, around 25% of all solar panel manufacturing projects worldwide that have reached at least the early development stage are located in China. China’s position is even stronger in battery manufacturing, where its share reaches as much as 45%. Most Chinese projects are already at an advanced stage of implementation.

Current data suggest that this trend will continue at least through 2030. More than 80% of all announced projects to manufacture components for solar and wind power plants are located in the country. The projects focus on producing cells, modules or nacelles for wind turbines—that is, key components for building renewable energy sources.