Why China is surging ahead of Trump’s America in green energy race
Trump cuts are crippling US clean energy endeavours, while Beijing is building on its title as the world’s largest investor in the sector
As US-China tensions continue, one contrast stands out sharply between the big power rivals – their approach to energy and climate issues.
The energy debate unfolds with the rapidly warming world needing more clean energy than ever, especially as advancing technology drives up demand.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies need substantial amounts of electricity to operate, as they rely heavily on data centres and powerful computing infrastructure. Countries worldwide are trying to increase energy production as they invest in new data centres that must be kept running round the clock, with the US and China leading the field.
With technology rivalry a central driver of the broader US-China tensions, Beijing has forged ahead with renewable energy goals and boosted related investment in its pursuit of a global tech lead.
01:36
China’s largest photothermal power facility drives development of new form of energy
In contrast, the Trump administration is cancelling tax credits for what it calls “unreliable ‘green’ energy sources like wind and solar” that “compromise America’s electric grid”.