China has succeeded the US as the most attractive location in which to invest in renewable energy projects.
That's according to Ernst & Young's latest renewable energy country attractiveness Indices.
The firm said China entered its country attractiveness indices table in 2004 and, since then, has progressed to the top of the all renewables Index.
In the last index, it was tied with the US, though it now has sole claim to the top spot with a score of 69.
Ernst & Young said China's steady rise to pole position has been underpinned by strong and consistent government support for renewable energy.
This, together with substantial commitment from industry and the sheer scale of its natural resources, helped it to maintain its top position for renewable energy investment.
The US dropped two points in the index to 67, falling behind China.
It fell after a federal Renewable Energy Standard was not enacted this summer.
Ernst & Young predicts that construction of new renewable energy facilities in the US is expected to further slow down.
Rounding up the top five are Germany, which came in third, India in fourth place and Italy which was in fifth spot.
Ernst & Young also noted other markets, most notably Spain, are also showing signs of wavering support.
This is largely due to 'tariff deficits' and the underlying affordability of support mechanisms.
The Ernst & Young country attractiveness indices provide scores for national renewable energy markets, renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies
