China: A Global Renewable Energy Fulcrum?

With its induction into the global economy, China became the manufacturing warehouse of the world - a world based on fossil fuels. Since 2005, China has also managed to establish itself as a world leader in renewable energy. How has such a divergent path produced such seemingly positive results? This article explores China's modern energy policies as a basis for a national green energy transition. In this case, China has leveraged its unique position as both a developing country and an economic trade giant to radically promote its renewables industries, fund massive infrastructure projects, and incentivise green development and industries. Yet this has not led to radical decarbonisation at home or abroad. We consider the prospects of China as a global green energy fulcrum and find the outcome of this battle remains difficult to predict. If China succeeds in building the broad transformative alliance required, it has great potential. We conclude, however, that the weight of the evidence is somewhat dubious in this case unless China finds its intention leads to action.