China Outpaces Western Nations in Financing Global Clean Industry Projects

OPA WIRE, Nov 4 (OPA) — China secured funding for 23 major clean industrial projects worth more than €40 billion over the past year, according to a new report from the Mission Possible Partnership. The non-profit decarbonisation group found that out of 36 major clean industrial projects globally that moved forward, China captured the vast majority. Beijing now hosts 49 per cent of all clean industrial plants currently operating or under construction worldwide. The rapid expansion stems from years of deliberate policy support, robust renewable energy infrastructure, and rising global demand for alternative fuels.

China accounts for more than 90 per cent of global capacity to produce lower-emissions methanol alongside over 40 per cent of cleaner aluminium production capacity. Its manufacturing footprint extends well beyond domestic borders. In August 2025, the Monsoon Wind project began operating in Laos, utilizing 133 Chinese-built turbines to supply electricity to manufacturing sectors in Vietnam. Belinda Schäpe of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air notes that this expansion builds significant economic opportunities and strengthens Beijing's geopolitical influence across emerging economies.

Simultaneously, emerging economies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are accelerating their clean industrial footprint. Over the past year, six projects in the developing 'industrial sunbelt' secured €4.7 billion in investment, surpassing the €4.3 billion attracted by developed economies. Kenya is developing Africa's first geothermal-powered green fertiliser plant in the Rift Valley, aiming to produce up to 300,000 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, South Africa has secured backing for the world's second commercial project producing synthetic sustainable aviation fuel from captured carbon dioxide and renewable electricity.

Western economies are scrambling to keep pace despite holding significant industrial and technological strengths. In February 2025, the European Union launched its Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing over €100 billion to support green manufacturing and lower energy costs. European lawmakers are currently debating the Industrial Accelerator Act to expedite approvals for new domestic factories. However, global scale remains a primary obstacle. The MPP report is tracking more than 800 proposed clean industrial projects representing €4.3 trillion in potential investment that still lack financing due to unclear policies and hesitant buyers.