The International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) has called on the European Union (EU) to reduce its reliance on China for vital equipment used in producing renewable energy. Francesco La Camera, the director-general of IREA, has urged the EU to “decentralise the supply chain” and explore more collaborations with other regions of the world.
The EU is heavily dependent on China for supplies of rare minerals and components for solar panels and wind turbines, as the bloc aims to transition to green energy. China produces a large number of the world's wind turbines and solar panels, and the EU currently receives 98% of its rare earth minerals from China.
Speaking at a conference in Berlin on offshore wind power, La Camera highlighted the importance of boosting links between different parts of the world to help the EU reach its climate goals. He suggested increasing collaboration with continental Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The heavy dependence on China is “a matter of concern,” La Camera said.
The EU recently reached a provisional agreement to almost double the share of renewables in the bloc's energy consumption by 2030, aiming to become carbon-neutral and ditch Russian fossil fuels. However, green groups have criticised the agreement as not going far enough.
Reducing dependence on China is crucial for the EU to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of vital equipment for renewable energy production. As the world focuses on achieving a greener future, diversifying supply chains and increasing collaborations with other regions will be key to achieving climate goals.
