EU considers foreign wind turbine ban over security concerns

The European Union is contemplating a ban on the installation of foreign wind turbines for security reasons, marking a significant step towards diminishing Chinese influence in the region. As one of the leading exporters of renewable energy technology, China's role in the global market is substantial.

Wind farms, recognized as crucial infrastructure, are susceptible to potential attacks, including cyber threats. This concern has propelled the Union to consider prohibiting the installation of wind turbines from abroad.

Notably, the primary focus of this initiative appears to be on Chinese technology. According to the Euractiv portal, Brussels is looking to adopt a strategy akin to the measures applied to the Chinese tech giant Huawei in relation to accessing 5G networks.

This move is anticipated to be formalized through regulations dubbed "made in Europe," aimed at shielding European manufacturers of wind turbines from Chinese competition.

The European Commission has unveiled a series of policy proposals under the "European Wind Energy Package." A pivotal aspect of these proposals is the empowerment of EU countries to potentially exclude foreign firms based on pre-qualification criteria that include considerations like cybersecurity, Euractiv emphasizes.

Huawei, a company also involved in the renewable energy sector, has been instrumental in advancing modern energy solutions through smart photovoltaic and wind technologies.

An illustrative example of Huawei's involvement is its participation in the development of the largest hybrid farm in Kleczew, Poland. This facility, which is set to be the biggest in Central and Eastern Europe, will integrate a photovoltaic power plant with a wind farm, boasting a total capacity of 223 megawatts (MW). Huawei is slated to supply 710 chain inverters and 23 transformer stations for this project, as indicated on Huawei's website.

Concerns have been raised by the USA regarding Huawei's alleged connections with the Chinese government, particularly in relation to 5G technology. This has led to the exclusion of the Chinese firm by several EU nations.

China's dominance in renewable energy technology, especially solar and nuclear, positions it as a formidable force in the exportation of green energy solutions. This capability presents China with the advantage of potentially leveraging it as a tool of influence.

The extent of China's influence in the renewable energy sector is highlighted by the fact that, according to the German Federal Statistical Office, three-quarters of the photovoltaic systems imported by the EU's largest economy in 2022 were sourced from China.