The global Green Economy is growing rapidly and developing into a gigantic future market. Decreasing technology costs and high investments are driving the sustainable transformation. This creates enormous opportunities, especially for Greentech and Green Business – even as international competition intensifies.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: A Chosen Soul via Unsplash
The global Green Economy has reached an annual volume of over five trillion US dollars, making it one of the most dynamic economic sectors worldwide.
This is the result of a new study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). According to the analysis, the market is expected to grow to more than seven trillion US dollars by 2030.
Green Business is thus becoming a central engine of the global economy.
Dynamic Sector of the Global Economy
A key reason for this growth is the sharply decreased costs of many green technologies. Solar energy and battery technology have become around 90% cheaper since 2010, and offshore wind energy around 50%.
As a result, about half of global emissions can already be reduced today with economically viable technologies. The study clearly shows: Greentech is not just a sustainability issue, but a real location and competitive advantage.
Greentech: A Real Location and Competitive Advantage
China, in particular, is driving this change. With investments of around 659 billion US dollars in clean energy per year, no other country invests as much in sustainable transformation. China dominates many key areas such as solar and wind technology, batteries, and green patents. The USA and Europe remain innovative but cannot keep up with the pace.
For Europe, the situation is mixed. While the industry has great strengths in mechanical engineering, automotive, chemicals, and energy technology, high electricity prices, lengthy approval procedures, and a weak capital market simultaneously hinder the rapid expansion of Greentech solutions.
Despite good opportunities, Germany is increasingly coming under pressure in global competition.
Growth Area: Climate Adaptation
Another growth area is climate adaptation. This market now totals 1.1 trillion US dollars and is growing steadily, for example, through resilient building materials, new analysis methods for climate data, or technologies for heat and cooling protection.
Entering Green Business is particularly worthwhile for companies. According to BCG’s analysis, companies with a high proportion of green products or services grow significantly faster and achieve higher valuations on financial markets on average. Sustainable transformation thus becomes a key to economic success.
A new important meeting point for this development is TransformIT Europe, taking place in Brussels in May 2026 – a new trade fair and conference specifically focused on Greentech, sustainable transformation, and the future of digital-green technologies.
From May 5–8, 2026, TransformIT Europe brings together companies, technology providers, research, and politics to advance the green transformation and the economy of the future.
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