China’s $180 Billion Clean-Tech Push Transforms Energy And Industry In The Global South

Since early 2023, Chinese companies have pledged more than $180 billion for clean energy projects outside China, marking a major shift in global energy investment. These firms produce most of the world’s solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, and they are investing in complete supply chains that cover mining, manufacturing, and recycling. By helping other countries build renewable energy systems, China is not only boosting green power adoption but also shaping trade and industrial flows across the globe.

China leads this change with large factories, low costs, and careful planning. The government encourages companies to expand abroad, focusing on countries with high energy needs and supporting agreements to share technology. From 2018 to 2024, China controlled 80% of new solar, wind, battery, and hydrogen plants worldwide. Companies such as CATL and BYD dominate production, exporting billions in technology each year. Chinese firms cover entire supply chains, from mines to factories, battery plants, recycling centers, and renewable energy projects, ensuring efficiency and long-term influence. Trade agreements and political partnerships help these companies expand quickly, while technology sharing and faster approvals support large-scale projects.

The Global South is a major focus of China’s investments. Over 75% of projects are in developing countries, often aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative. China selects locations with clear policies, strict rules, and high energy demand. Many projects are joint ventures with local partners, sharing jobs, skills, and technology. Governments support these efforts with loans and incentives, while private firms lead development. These investments help lower energy costs, create thousands of jobs, upgrade grids, and promote industrial growth. China also adapts to local regulations, meeting requirements for labor, content, or training, which ensures contracts move forward smoothly.

In Southeast Asia, the growth is notable. Indonesia is seeing a $6 billion battery plant by CATL in West Java, producing 6.9 GWh annually and creating over 10,000 jobs. Malaysia has investments from EVE Energy and BYD in energy storage and EV manufacturing, while solar farms expand with GCL Technology’s support. Thailand benefits from Sunwoda’s $1 billion battery plant and Changan’s EV research partnerships. Tax breaks, fast permits, and local content rules accelerate projects, boost trade with China, and strengthen regional energy systems.

The Middle East is also transforming. Saudi Arabia has a $1.1 billion solar farm with Shanghai Electric, Morocco hosts a $5.6 billion battery plant by Gotion, and Oman produces solar cells at JA Solar’s $564 million plant. Egypt and Nigeria are pursuing hydrogen and clean energy projects. These initiatives reduce energy costs, generate employment, and advance national energy goals.

Europe is part of this expansion as well. Hungary’s Debrecen plant by CATL aims to produce 100 GWh of batteries annually, Spain hosts a $4.1 billion battery factory in Zaragoza, and France’s Douai plant targets 40 GWh by 2030. These facilities help meet EV electrification goals and provide local training and research opportunities, supporting regional industrial growth.

Latin America is seeing similar trends. Brazil’s BYD converts a Ford plant into an EV hub, producing 150,000 cars in the first phase, while Envision develops a net-zero industrial park. Chinese firms support wind, solar, and hydro projects, upgrade grids, and lower energy costs by around 20%, speeding the transition to renewable energy.

China’s global clean-tech investments combine economic, environmental, and technological impact. Developing countries gain affordable energy, industrial growth, and skills, while China strengthens its position in global supply chains. The strategy shows that clean energy is not just a domestic goal but a global project, driving industrial transformation, supporting net-zero targets, and helping the Global South build sustainable energy systems for the future.