EU Faces Pressure Over Chinese Wind Turbine Imports
European wind turbine manufacturers are calling for stricter limits on Chinese suppliers, warning that Europe’s energy system could become increasingly dependent on foreign technology.
Nordex CEO José Luis Blanco has urged the European Union to prevent what he described as “non-Western” turbine makers from supplying new wind projects connected to European power grids.
The comments come as the EU moves to implement measures under its Net-Zero Industry Act aimed at strengthening European clean-tech manufacturing and reducing reliance on external suppliers. The measures are expected to place greater emphasis on cybersecurity, supply-chain resilience and energy security in future renewable energy projects.
Blanco said a broader “Western-origin” principle should apply to all new wind capacity connected to EU grids, extending beyond projects that receive public support.
The debate comes as Europe continues to deal with the impact of major geopolitical energy shocks, from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, both of which exposed the risks of dependence on external fossil fuel supplies.
As renewable energy systems expand, questions are also growing around long-term dependence on imported clean-energy technology, including wind turbines, batteries and solar equipment.
Chinese companies have expanded rapidly in renewable energy manufacturing, supported by scale, lower costs and state backing, making China a dominant global supplier. China’s clean-tech exports rose 39% in March to $21.9bn, driven by a 121% surge in solar exports and a 44% increase in batteries.
Renewable energy is increasingly being viewed not only as a climate issue, but also as a matter of energy security, industrial resilience and geopolitical influence.