CKGSB Knowledge Authors

Renewable Energy in China: Finding Green Profits

November 17, 2014

Is renewable energy in China a good investment option? We look at which of China’s green investment areas offers the best return.

In 2013, China extended its lead in the global clean energy race by investing a massive $56 billion in the sector, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Officials in Beijing have for the past four years adjusted upwards multiple targets for clean energy projects in a bid to develop Chinese firms into market leaders and, more recently, taken effective measures to curb torrid pollution levels. Much of the investment in clean energy projects is directed by the state, so private capital looking to enter the sector has often flowed into stocks. Despite lots of media noise about the boom in renewable energy in China, however, turning a green profit is not a simple process. Here we take a look at the performance of sub-sector indices of leading listed Chinese clean energy companies for the first six months of the year compared to their performance in 2013, as compiled by research provider SinoCleanTech.

Note: The percentage changes in the graphs for First Half 2014 and Full Year 2013 reflect the movement of the index for that sub-sector.

Enjoying what you’re reading?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get more China insights delivered to your inbox.

Our Programs

Emerging Markets: Innovation and Scaling for Exponential Growth

Global Unicorn Program Series

A joint program by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business and The South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry

LocationJohannesburg, South Africa

Date20 - 23 Apr, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition

Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.

LocationChina (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen)

Date11 - 14 May, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Scaling Innovation: AI and Digital Strategies for Business Transformation

Global Unicorn Program Series

In partnership with Columbia Engineering

This program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic insights and tools necessary to lead in this transformative era.

LocationNew York, USA

Date27 Sep - 02 Oct, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley

Global Unicorn Program Series

In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering

This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.

LocationUC Berkeley

Date01 - 06 Nov, 2026

LanguageEnglish

Learn more

Stanford & Silicon Valley Immersion Program

Global Unicorn Program Series

In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education

This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.

LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States

Date06 - 11 Dec, 2026

LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation

Learn more