The European Union (EU) has reduced its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, only to become heavily dependent on China for solar panels, batteries, critical minerals, and other clean-energy technologies. Brussels now aims to rebuild domestic supply chains and diversify imports, but officials warn this will increase costs and take years to achieve.
In 2024, China supplied 98% of European solar panels and 88% of its lithium-ion battery imports. The EU realizes this dependence on China is untenable and has launched measures to reduce reliance on Chinese clean energy components, but current efforts have made little progress.
Europe is now struggling to reduce its dependence on China, which will require significant investments and time.
