CleanTech

The Trustee Chair closely follows China's growing CleanTech industry with an eye for areas of cooperation and competition.

China’s natural reserves of rare earths, industrial policies, consumer incentives, and a mature manufacturing sector have created a nurturing environment for the emerging CleanTech industry. Chinese companies are at the forefront of the global energy transition by commercializing new technologies that help lower carbon footprints, especially with regard to Electric Vehicles (EV) and their components.

This project is made possible through general support to CSIS.

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Photo: BAY ISMOYO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Photo: BAY ISMOYO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

The Global EV Shift: The Role of China and Industrial Policy in Emerging Economies

This report analyzes strategies for EV adoption and industrial development in emerging markets to offer lessons for policymakers, exploring how and why China is catalyzing the transition in many emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Report by Ilaria Mazzocco and Ryan Featherston — October 22, 2025

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The Electric Vehicle Playbook for Emerging Markets

Emerging markets are becoming EV leaders with sales rising rapidly in the past two years. Governments are seeking to shape the future of the auto industry as they balance their EV adoption goals, industrial strategies, and reliance on China.

Digital Feature by Ilaria Mazzocco and Ryan Featherston — October 22, 2025

Assessing China’s New Climate Commitments

Ilaria Mazzocco and Deborah Seligsohn unpack China’s newly announced 2035 climate goals, including emission cuts and renewable energy expansion, and implications for the United States and the rest of the world.

Critical Questions by Ilaria Mazzocco and Deborah Seligsohn — October 2, 2025

What’s Missing from the U.S. Debate on Electric Vehicles

Proposed policies by Congress and the administration aimed at slowing the EV industry would have negative implications for innovation in the United States and the development of local EV value chains.

Commentary by Ilaria Mazzocco — May 29, 2025

Rethinking Competition with China on Clean Technologies

Amid competition with China, the United States should not just seek derisking but also actively avoid technological isolation and encourage its companies to compete on the international stage in emerging and next-generation clean technologies.

Commentary by Ilaria Mazzocco — October 29, 2024

Audio Briefs

Assessing the United States’ Solar Power Play

An audio version of “Assessing the United States’ Solar Power Play,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Quill Robinson and Ryan Featherston. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Quill Robinson and Ryan Featherston — July 2, 2024

Audio Briefs

Assessing the United States’ Solar Power Play

Solar can play a crucial role in meeting the United States’ climate and energy goals. However, the United States needs clearer objectives for its solar industrial strategy for it to succeed. 

Commentary by Quill Robinson and Ryan Featherston — July 1, 2024