China has emerged as the global leader in green and low-carbon patent applications, reflecting its significant contributions to sustainable development. According to a recent report by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), China accounted for more than half of the world’s green patent applications in 2023, marking a 20% year-on-year increase.
Strong Growth in Green and Low-Carbon Patents
The CNIPA’s Report on Statistical Analysis of Green and Low-Carbon Patents highlights that China’s share of global green patent applications grew by 7.1 percentage points above the global average. The report defines green and low-carbon patents as those focusing on technologies that promote green development across five key domains: carbon reduction of fossil energy, energy saving and recycling, clean energy, energy storage, and greenhouse gas capture and storage.
Dominance in Energy Storage and Clean Energy
In 2023, China filed 37,000 patent applications in energy storage, representing 48% of the global total. This achievement underscores China’s leadership in energy storage developments and its commitment to advancing energy market trends. Furthermore, China led the world in invention patent applications for solar energy and hydrogen energy, with 8,000 and 5,000 applications respectively. These figures highlight China’s significant investment in solar energy and hydrogen technology, driving forward the global solar energy market.
Global Leadership in Patent Cooperation Treaty Filings
China’s dominance extends to international patent protection as well. The country surpassed 5,000 applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2023, securing the top global position for the third consecutive year. This milestone emphasizes China’s proactive approach to securing global intellectual property rights for its green and low-carbon technologies.
Continuous Innovation in Green Energy
Since 2019, China has been the world’s leading filer of patent applications, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization. This consistent leadership in green energy patents underscores China’s commitment to green energy policies and sustainable developments. The country’s robust growth in patents is a testament to its strategic focus on renewable energy technologies, including advancements in lithium batteries and solar technology.
Future Implications for the Global Energy Market
China’s leadership in green patent applications signals a broader trend in the global energy market. As nations strive to meet sustainability goals, the emphasis on renewable energy technologies will likely increase. China’s advancements in energy storage and clean energy patents position it as a crucial player in shaping future energy market trends.
In conclusion, China’s remarkable growth in green and low-carbon patent applications underscores its pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable energy. The country’s leadership in energy storage, solar energy, and hydrogen technology highlights its significant contributions to the solar energy market and green energy policies worldwide. As the global focus on renewable energy intensifies, China’s innovative developments and strategic investments will continue to influence energy market trends and drive forward sustainable solutions.
Source：chinadaily.com.cn
