China’s clean power energising economy, adding a Brazil’s worth of GDP: report

A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that clean energy technologies, particularly solar power and electric vehicles, significantly boosted China's economy in 2025. These industries generated 15.4 trillion yuan (US$2.1 trillion) in output, representing 11.4% of China's GDP and contributing over one-third of the country's economic growth. The report indicates that without the clean energy sector, China would have likely missed its GDP growth target of around 5%. The sector's rapid expansion is driven by China's commitment to its dual carbon goals. CREA's analysis highlights China's substantial investment in the global energy transition, with the clean energy sector's economic value nearly doubling between 2022 and 2025.

A recent analysis reveals that China's clean energy sector, encompassing batteries, electric vehicles, solar, and wind technologies, drove over 90% of the country's investment growth in 2023. The sector generated a record 15.4 trillion yuan, accounting for 11.4% of China's GDP and contributing significantly to meeting the country's 5% annual growth target. This growth is largely fueled by domestic demand for renewable energy and expanding exports, particularly in solar power and battery technology. The increased output has made solar power more affordable globally. The report highlights China's increasing dependence on clean energy for economic growth and its role in the global transition to renewables.