The renewable energy landscape is becoming much more impacted by China, today the world’s largest supplier of clean energy technology. In the Philippines, Citicore Renewable Energy is one of the largest independent power producers. They have constructed a solar farm in Arayat that heavily relies on solar panels that are all imported from China. This move is a further reminder of how much countries are coming to rely on Chinese technology to achieve their own renewable energy targets.
Clean energy investments China has rightfully gained the label of the world’s “clean energy factory,” churning out enormous quantities of renewable energy technologies. China firmly continues in the lead of the global race, flooding the world market with exported solar panels, EVs, and wind turbines. Its deep manufacturing base fuels this leadership. As nations across the globe work toward decarbonizing their energy systems, they increasingly rely on Chinese suppliers to provide these key inputs.
China is at the top of the pack in clean energy technology. It at the same time grapples with the fact that it has become the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. This water paradox emphasizes the rising urgency for the international community to pursue economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability. This reliance on Chinese renewable technologies calls into question the efficacy of current global climate action strategies.
The solar farm at Citicore’s Arayat facility is a perfect example of this complicated relationship. Through the use of Chinese-manufactured solar panels, the Philippines hopes to increase its renewable energy capacity and lower its carbon footprint. This heavy dependence on imported technology from the world’s largest polluter makes the political landscape for climate action much more complicated.
Furthermore, China’s dominance extends beyond solar technology. The country has become one of the world’s largest electric vehicle and wind turbine exporters. That news makes its contributions to the increasingly renewable energy economy even more irreplaceable. Countries across the world are making ambitious climate promises. China’s role as one of the most important suppliers and polluters will remain a key issue discussed in sustainability debates.