WEF–BCG Maps the $14T Green Boom: Who Wins From the Clean Tech Supercycle?

A new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows the green economy has become a multi-trillion-dollar market. The study found the sector has already surpassed $5 trillion and is projected to cross $7 trillion by 2030.

The report found this investment to drive sustainable transport, resilience solutions, and circularity. The report also projects the green economy to expand from $5 trillion in 2024 to over $14 trillion by 2030. Early movers in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green consumer products stand to gain substantial competitive and regulatory advantages, positioning themselves as leaders in rapidly expanding markets.

Additionally, the report found that companies that have comprehensively assessed their risk exposure and reported through the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) indicate current adaptation and resilience investments could yield returns ranging from $2 to $19 for every $1 invested.

Cost-Competitive Cleantech Can Abate 55% of Global Emissions

One of the strongest growth drivers has been the dramatic drop in costs for key clean technologies. The research showed that since 2010, the average cost of solar photovoltaics has declined by about 90%, lithium batteries by about 90%, and offshore wind by about 50%. As a result, about 55% of global emissions can now be abated using cost-competitive technologies. It further assessed that another 20% could be addressed at minor cost premiums, particularly in regions with favorable policies.

Renewable energy remained one of the fastest-growing sectors due to the strong expansion of its underlying market segments, with green revenues continuing to outpace conventional ones.

The report reinforced this by highlighting that between 2020 and 2024, the 6,500+ publicly listed global companies analysed by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) grew their aggregate green revenues.

Additionally, the report found that growth was strongest among companies where green products made up a material part of their business: more than half of the companies achieving a CAGR greater than 30% over the surveyed period had at least 10% green revenues in 2024.

Comparison

It also noted that, in 2024 alone, China invested $659 billion in clean energy, more than 50% above the next largest investor. It leads the world in solar, wind, battery manufacturing, and green tech patents, and is driving global supply chains for low-carbon technologies. While Europe and the U.S. retain innovation leadership in certain areas, China’s scale, coordination, and industrial policy are shifting the balance.

“This report is a reminder that the green transition continues to be one of the biggest growth opportunities of our time, contributing to job generation, innovation, resilience and sustainable prosperity,” said Pim Valdre, Head, Climate and Nature Economy at the World Economic Forum. “The report provides analysis to support CEOs navigating a fast-evolving transition landscape and offers a framework to thrive in the growing green economy.”

“The breadth of commercial opportunities in the green economy crosses industry and regional divides. With $2 trillion in growth expected in the next five years, there are plenty more opportunities for companies to harvest. Our CEO guidebook provides CEOs and their teams a starting point for how,” said Patrick Herhold, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG and a coauthor of the report.