For the first time, China also led the number of patents filed in the wind, solar and marine energy sectors between 2006 and 2008, according to consultant Cleantech Group, and as a number of overseas firms, such as Applied Materials, opened up research centres in the country.
China overtook the US as the world’s largest power consumer last year, according to the International Energy Agency, although the country relies heavily on coal for much of its power production. However, concerns about embezzlement and corruption has led at least one cleantech corporate venturing unit to stop making deals in the country.
Top 10 solar producers
Name Country Power (MW)
First Solar US 1100
Suntech China 704
Sharp Japan 595
Q-Cells Germany 586
Yingli China 525.3
JA Solar China 520
Kyocera Japan 400
Trina Solar China 399
SunPower Philippines 397
Gintech Taiwan 368
Source: Photon International
Top 10 wind turbine manufacturers
by annual market share in 2009
Name Country Market share %
Vestas Denmark 12.5
GE Energy US 12.4
Sinovel China 9.2
Enercon Germany 8.5
Goldwind China 7.2
Gamesa Spain 6.7
Dongfang China 6.5
Suzlon India 6.4
Siemens Germany 5.9
REpower Germany 3.4
Source: BTM Consult