China is biggest investor in renewable energy. - In 2009, public and private Chinese investment in renewable energy in China is estimated by Pew Charitable Trust at US$34.6 billion, far greater than any other country or region of the world. Investment in renewable energy sources totalled only US$18.6 billion in the United States, US$11.2 billion in the United Kingdom, US$10.4 bn in Spain, US$7.4 bn in Brazil, US$4.3 bn in Germany, US$3.3 bn in Canada, US$2.6 bn in Italy, US$2.3 bn in India, US$2.1 bn in Mexico and US$1.8 bn in France. There are colossal opportunities for green energy sources in China, which are attracting interest from investors in the West. Contracts are regularly won by Western companies but foreign companies fear a gradual closing of the market in China. With the 2009 crisis, the Chinese government has been promoting Chinese companies and has prevented some foreign competitors from bidding for public contracts. (I.L./transl.fl)