Chinese wind turbines as a threat to energy security
3.3.2025
Question for written answer E-000889/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kosma Złotowski (ECR)
In 2024, the Commission initiated an investigation into Chinese suppliers of wind turbines in Spain, Greece, France, Romania and Bulgaria, due to suspicions of Chinese state subsidies. This was motivated by concerns that the domestic industry may be affected by the influx of inexpensive imports, which could lead to its collapse. It is noteworthy that China has already dominated the photovoltaic industry in Europe and is expanding aggressively into other markets, including the electric vehicle market.
In addition to these highly controversial and questionable issues, a report commissioned by Germany’s Ministry of Defence, prepared by the German Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies, states that China may deliberately delay projects, remotely disable turbines, collect confidential information on energy security and pose a serious threat to cybersecurity.
- 1.What is the status of the Commission’s 2024 investigation into wind turbine subsidies, and can any conclusions be drawn yet?
- 2.Is the Commission contemplating the potential of a comparable threat involving market manipulation, data theft, or even the control of electric cars produced by Chinese manufacturers?
- 3.Does the Commission concur with assertions that excessive reliance on China amplifies the risk of cyberattacks, which could result in the cessation of renewable energy production from wind turbines, and therefore would the Commission recommend that the Member States consider excluding non-EU countries from tenders?
Submitted: 3.3.2025