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Evaluating economic, geographic, and strategic drivers of China's renewable energy Investments: Insights from BRI and institutional

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  • Zhang, Xin
  • Sadiq, Kamran

Abstract

This study assesses the viability of China's renewable energy investments in the middle corridor of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with an eye toward six Black Sea coastal nations—Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia, and Russia. Using national and international data including the Global Governance Indicators, IRENA, UN Comtrade, and China's overseas investment records—this study employs a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology. It combines the Adaptive Evaluating Technique based on Adaptive Standardized Intervals (ARTASI) for evaluating investment locations and the Spherical Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (SF-AHP) for weighting multidimensional risk variables. Guiding international cooperation theory, the model combines geopolitical, institutional, environmental, and financial concerns. Supported by great institutional capacity, strategic alignment, and economic infrastructure, results show Romania and Turkey as the most appealing places for Chinese renewable energy investments. The sensitivity study supports the model's resilience over several weighting situations. The study offers legislators practical information emphasizing the need for strategic alignment, diplomatic cooperation, and institutional preparation in cross-border renewable energy projects. It advises BRI players to build diplomatic and legal systems to lower uncertainty and enhance investment results in areas of political sensitivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xin & Sadiq, Kamran, 2026. "Evaluating economic, geographic, and strategic drivers of China's renewable energy Investments: Insights from BRI and institutional," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pa:s0960148125015125
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123848
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