German dependence on Chinese solar technology greater than on Russian gas

From blackout-news.de

The CEO of the German photovoltaic company Goldbeck Solar, Joachim Goldbeck, warns against too much dependence on Chinese solar technology. In an interview with Handelsblatt, he explains that Germany is dependent on renewable energies for the energy transition and that solar technologies make up an important part of it (Handelsblatt: 26.03.23).

Germany more dependent on Chinese solar technology than on Russian gas

However, Germany is now so dependent on Chinese solar products that this dependence is even greater than its dependence on Russian gas. Goldbeck justifies his statement with the fact that China is now the world’s largest producer of solar cells and modules and controls about 70 percent of the global photovoltaic market.

Germany is more dependent on Chinese solar technology than on Russian gas. China invests heavily in research and development
Image: Victorgrigas at en.wikipedia, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

German companies would continue to produce solar products, but these products would often consist largely of Chinese components. The dependence on Chinese solar technologies is therefore a strategic risk for the German energy transition and Germany’s independence from fossil fuels.

Reduction of dependency and strengthening of own production

According to Goldbeck, German companies and politicians must therefore work to reduce dependence on Chinese solar products and strengthen their own production. This also means investing in the research and development of new technologies and intensifying cooperation with other European countries.

However, it is important that politicians provide a clear strategy to promote the energy transition and independence from fossil fuels. Goldbeck emphasizes that this is not only a question of independence, but also a question of competitiveness.

China invests heavily in research and development

China is investing heavily in research and development of solar technologies and is in danger of losing the lead that Europe has had in this area. Germany must therefore act quickly and develop a clear strategy for the energy transition and the future of solar technology.

Joachim Goldbeck’s warning against too much dependence on Chinese solar technologies shows that Germany should not only rely on renewable energies in the energy transition, but also on its own production and research. A clear political strategy is essential in order to advance the energy transition and Germany’s competitiveness.