Opinion | China must ensure its green energy leadership is good for the world

It has been a truism since the beginning of the 2020s that, per dollar spent on capacity, renewables now beat fossil fuels on price, and renewables are not dependent on a continuous stream of outside fuel at fluctuating prices.

In that challenge lies opportunity. In a world plagued by climate instability, energy insecurity and economic uncertainty, the next global leader will be crowned not by war or wealth but by capability and capacity. Delivering on clean energy at scale will be the leading edge upon which these are determined, and China is positioning itself at the centre of this transformation. It is becoming the world’s largest producer of solar panels and electric vehicles and underwriting a green revolution that could redefine global governance.

The cost of solar has dropped to just 11 cents per watt of capacity in 2024. As Tooze said, “Because that dominance – and it is dominance – of so many areas of production, very high quality, very high flexibility, and integration across the entire supply chain and reasonable cost, means that it’s difficult for other people to imagine their economic future.”