With soaring oil prices, frequent electricity shortages all over the country and worsening pollution, it would seem that the prospects for China’s renewable energy industries have never been better. Beijing is keen to promote low-polluting alternative energy not only as a solution but also to improve its profile as a responsible international player.
But while going green has consensus with the Chinese leadership, much depends on government will if renewable energy such as solar, wind and geothermal are to emerge as significant sources in China’s overall energy mix.