China's renewable energy supply chains, engineering expertise and operational experience are creating new opportunities for developing countries seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources.
From solar farms in South-east Asia to off-grid systems in rural Africa, Chinese clean energy projects are helping expand electricity access, generate employment and develop local skills.
In 2021, China pledged to stop building new coal-fired power plants overseas. Since then, green energy has become a major focus of cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, with Chinese companies involved in solar, wind and hydropower projects supporting local energy transitions.
Solar partnerships promote low-carbon growth
Across South-east Asia, renewable energy projects built by Chinese companies are helping meet growing electricity demand while reducing emissions.
In Indonesia's West Java province, the 100-megawatt Karawang photovoltaic project, constructed by China Electric Power Construction Group Hubei Engineering Co Ltd, began operations in 2024.
The project supplies clean electricity to the industrial park in Karawang, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 19,800 tonnes and saving around 8,800 tonnes of standard coal.
It has also contributed to developing local expertise. During construction, the Chinese team trained more than 300 Indonesian workers, helping establish a local workforce capable of independently installing solar systems.
In Vietnam, PowerChina Jiangxi Electric Power Engineering Co Ltd constructed the 330-megawatt Phu My Solar Power Plant in Gia Lai province. Engineers adapted equipment and mounting structures to withstand coastal salt corrosion, high temperatures and typhoons.
The plant generates approximately 520 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by around 400,000 tonnes a year.
Its construction created more than 2,000 local jobs, while training programmes helped workers develop skills in renewable energy operations and maintenance.
Beyond solar power, energy cooperation between China and Vietnam now covers wind, hydropower and waste-to-energy projects, further expanding their clean energy partnership.
Clean energy helps reduce electricity costs
In Pakistan, Chinese solar products and technologies are helping diversify an energy mix that has long depended heavily on thermal power.
As the South Asian country faces high electricity costs and unreliable supply, the expansion of solar power has brought clean electricity to millions of households.
Chinese companies have also introduced flexible instalment payment schemes to make solar systems more affordable, enabling families to reduce their electricity bills.
Meanwhile, the China-built Mohmand Hydropower Project, which is under construction in Pakistan, is expected to generate 2.86 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The project has created more than 5,000 local jobs and is helping strengthen the country's construction capabilities.
Chinese green energy projects are also contributing to economic development in partner countries. Construction generates employment and provides training for skilled workers, while solar panels and energy storage systems support the development of supply chains in infrastructure, logistics and maintenance.
With no fuel costs, wind and solar power offer more predictable long-term generation expenses than fossil fuels. This can help lower electricity bills for households and businesses while providing affordable power for local industries.
Off-grid solar expands electricity access
Across Africa, dispersed populations and challenging terrain have made the expansion of conventional electricity grids expensive and difficult. Many rural and pastoral communities continue to lack reliable electricity.
China has responded by supplying lightweight, easy-to-install off-grid solar and energy storage systems. Operating independently of main electricity grids, these systems provide stable power and help extend access to remote communities.
In Kenya's pastoral areas, remote villages and refugee camps, Chinese solar equipment has replaced costly and polluting diesel generators. The systems now support everyday activities, local festivals and small businesses.
Solar lighting has enabled rural schools to extend their operating hours, while photovoltaic irrigation pumps have reduced farming costs and increased crop yields by around 30 per cent in some cases.
Reliable, clean and affordable electricity is doing more than providing lighting for homes. It is supporting education, agriculture and small-scale businesses while helping local communities secure more stable incomes.
China's overseas energy cooperation has shifted from coal-fired power projects towards green energy partnerships. By combining project construction with technology transfer and workforce training, the country is helping its partners develop sustainable energy systems that can operate independently over time.
As high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative deepens, China is helping developing countries harness their wind, solar and water resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods and advance a shared low-carbon future.