🚨 Is China’s Green Energy Story Just About Sustainability?

China’s renewable energy investments hit an astonishing $940 billion in 2024 — a figure that overshadows India’s $3.4 billion. On the surface, this paints a picture of a country leading the world in clean energy. But there’s more beneath the surface.

A deeper look reveals that China’s green transition is heavily state-driven. State-owned enterprises (SOEs), backed by cheap credit and full government support, dominate every step — from R&D to production and deployment. This isn’t just about clean air or cutting emissions. It’s about strategic control, market dominance, and even national security.

🔍 For instance, much of China’s hydroelectric investment is concentrated along the Brahmaputra River, raising alarms in India and Bangladesh over water access and sovereignty.

While India’s democratic and market-based approach doesn’t allow the same scale or speed, there are lessons to draw:

Infrastructure first: Building transmission and storage capacity is essential before scaling generation.

Public Sector Leadership: Well-supported PSUs can play a vital role in leading green initiatives.

Smart Funding: India's viability gap funding could be strategically strengthened.

China’s model can’t be replicated — but it can inspire reflection.

➡️ Should speed take priority over sustainability and sovereignty?

➡️ Can India achieve green goals while staying true to its democratic and market-driven model?

Thoughts welcome.

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