Intel Capital, the chip giant's venture capital arm, yesterday made its first foray into the nation's clean technology sector, purchasing a $20 million stake in local solar energy firm Trony Solar Holdings Co Ltd.

"China's renewable energy industry is experiencing rapid development," said Cadol Cheung, managing director of Intel Capital Asia Pacific. "We believe these investments will be a catalyst to drive local clean tech innovation."

Trony Solar, established in 1993, is one of China's biggest manufacturers of thin-film solar energy equipment, with sales in more than 20 nations.