Europe is “sleepwalking” into a series of economic and national security problems due to its over-dependence on Chinese green technology, according to a new report. The study, co-authored by Michael Collins, a former deputy head of national security strategy at the UK Cabinet Office, describes the risks as “serious”.
The report highlights that China supplies 98% of Europe’s solar panels, 88% of its lithium-ion batteries, and 61% of inverters crucial for integrating renewable energy into the power grid. Chinese electric vehicle brands are also gaining market share across the continent. The authors warn that such dependency could lead to economic harm, supply chain disruption, and potential surveillance risks.
While the report notes that a “kill switch” scenario—where China remotely disables solar panels or EVs—is “very unlikely” unless the two sides are at war, it says other risks are more probable. These include China restricting supply of low-carbon tech, either deliberately or due to unforeseen events like extreme weather, which is deemed “likely”. The prospect of long-term economic damage is described as “very likely”, with Europe’s industrial competitiveness eroded as China dominates solar, EVs, and batteries.
The report also warns that Chinese green tech could be used for surveillance, such as tracking submarines via offshore energy infrastructure or capturing data through EVs. It adds that the defence sector, which relies on similar components, could become increasingly dependent on China. As China’s role in Europe’s energy systems grows, the continent’s ability to oppose Chinese actions in areas like the South China Sea may be compromised, forcing a choice between condemnation and maintaining the energy transition.
The study was commissioned by Loom, a non-profit focused on economic and security issues, and funded by the New Energy Industrial Strategy Center. It was co-authored by Michal Meidan of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.
