The conflict in West Asia, which has been ongoing since February 28, has led to a surge in renewable energy use around the world, with the Strait of Hormuz blocked. The disruption of the waterway, which carries about 20 percent of the world's crude oil and gas supplies, has boosted demand for solar technology and electric vehicles. 

Analysts say China is benefiting from all this. About 70 percent of the world's electric vehicles and 85 percent of the batteries are produced in China, according to global energy think tank Imber. "China was already a dominant force in renewable energy technology," Imber analyst Yuvan Graham told the Washington Post. "The West Asia crisis has further boosted China's exports of clean technologies." 

Data from the Chinese Bureau of Revenue shows that total sales of solar, batteries and electric vehicles combined rose 70 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Of this, electric vehicles alone grew 140 percent compared to the previous year. China's battery exports reached $10 billion in March. Exports of Chinese batteries to European Union member states, Australia and India have increased, according to Ember. 

Countries that have been increasing their use of renewable energy in the past have been relatively less affected by the current crisis. China itself is an example of this. China will generate 13-14 percent of its electricity from hydropower in 2025, 22 percent from solar and wind energy, 5 percent from nuclear programs and about 2 percent from biofuels. Thus, China will generate about 42 percent of its electricity from renewable and low-carbon sources. 58 percent of its electricity was generated from domestically mined coal. 

The China Electricity Council (CEC) has projected that by the end of 2026, more than 50 percent of China's electricity will be generated from solar and wind energy. The CEC's report states that good progress has been made in that direction in the first quarter of 2026. The use of renewable energy is less expensive than fossil fuels. “Spain has the cheapest electricity generation in the European Union, as it is generating electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar power and low-carbon sources,” Graham said. 

“The severe supply disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia and high oil prices are undoubtedly accelerating the pace of the global energy transition,” Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University in Fujian Province, told China Daily. “The world is currently relying heavily on China’s strong manufacturing capacity and essential materials for clean energy technologies. Which will further solidify the country's leading role in the future global energy structure.'

'From solar photovoltaics and wind turbines to advanced battery storage and new energy vehicles, China now has a clear lead in the key technologies and manufacturing capabilities needed to realize the global energy transformation,' Lin added. 'At a time when the world is still experiencing the importance of clean energy, China's unwavering commitment to green technology has established it not only as a market leader but also as an indispensable partner for sustainable development.'

After the West Asian War, nearly 50 countries in Asia and Africa have seen a surge in solar panel imports, according to a report published in the British media outlet The Guardian. In Africa, solar energy imports increased by 176 percent in March compared to February. Imports in most Asian countries have doubled. Imports in European Union member states Italy and Poland also saw significant increases.

UK energy provider Octopus Energy reported a 54 percent increase in solar panel sales in March compared to February. Similarly, Octopus Energy said that sales of low-carbon heat pumps used for heating homes were up 50 percent in March compared to February. The company also said that sales of electric vehicles have increased. 

Pakistan, which imported about 80 percent of its oil and gas from West Asia before the war, is considering increasing imports of solar energy technology from China. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung recently said that there is no alternative to reducing the use of imported fuel. 

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam's Vinfast company decided to sell electric vehicles with attractive discounts amid rising fuel prices. China's BYD has also introduced such plans to attract customers. 

Indonesia, the world's largest coal exporter, is also eager to import Chinese clean energy technology. In March, Indonesian President Praboodi Subianto put forward a plan to promote electric vehicles. These include the production of electric cars and the expansion of charging infrastructure. Chinese companies play a key role in Indonesia’s clean energy supply chain. A cooperation agreement was signed between China and Indonesia to develop clean energy technologies during Prabowo’s visit to Beijing in 2024.