Concerns regarding hidden components in Chinese-made solar power equipment have surged in Europe, as experts warn of potential vulnerabilities in the continent’s electrical grids. The revelation of undeclared remote access devices embedded in solar inverters—crucial components linking solar farms to power grids—has alarmed officials following a recent blackout that impacted millions in the Iberian Peninsula. This incident starkly illustrated how integrated energy systems could be jeopardised, especially given the prevalence of Chinese technology across European solar installations.

Reports indicate that during routine inspections, unauthorized communication devices were discovered within American solar inverters, suggesting they may have been purposefully concealed. Such devices not only raise the spectre of foreign manipulation but also pose operational risks, as they can bypass existing cybersecurity measures. The discovery has prompted U.S. energy authorities to probe whether these vulnerabilities could lead to destabilisation and large-scale outages. While the Chinese embassy has rejected suggestions of malicious intent, the incident has intensified fears about China’s dominant position in the global inverter market—78% of inverters installed in Europe in 2023 originated from Chinese firms, particularly Huawei and SunGrow.

This dominance is attributed to China's vast manufacturing capabilities and competitive pricing. However, as noted by the European Solar Manufacturing Council, this reliance puts Europe’s energy sovereignty at peril. In most cases, the remote capabilities of these Chinese-manufactured inverters could enable foreign entities to disconnect power generation, manipulating grid stability through voltage and frequency adjustments or overriding crucial safety systems.

The implications were vividly highlighted during the Iberian blackout, a crisis triggered by a sudden loss of 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of power generation. Experts emphasize that a loss of 3 GW could have profound cascading effects across Europe, underscoring the fragility of its energy infrastructure. As Europe grapples with transitioning away from Russian energy sources following the Ukraine invasion, the need for enhanced energy sovereignty has never been clearer.

In light of these revelations, some nations are taking proactive measures. For instance, Lithuania recently enacted legislation requiring that all photovoltaic projects above 100 kilowatts use inverters that adhere to national safety standards, effectively banning Chinese devices from its power grid. Moreover, Estonia's intelligence chief voiced similar concerns, warning that reliance on Chinese technology could lead to potential coercion.

Simultaneously, broader discussions are occurring at the European Union level. A directive known as NIS2 aims to bolster cybersecurity across critical infrastructure sectors, yet many smaller solar initiatives remain vulnerable due to the directive’s primary focus on large-scale projects. With solar power contributing a substantial portion—up to 15%—of Europe’s electricity supply, the urgency for concrete action is heightened.

Recent data from energy think tank Ember revealed that 68 terawatt hours of solar electricity were generated in the first quarter of 2025, a substantial increase compared to the previous year. Such growing reliance on solar energy substantiates calls for protective measures against undue foreign influence.

The private sector is also feeling the strain of these geopolitical tensions. As European manufacturers like Germany's Solarwatt shift operations to China due to economic pressures, a growing unease about the sustainability of local solar production emerges. The asymmetry in trade practices, particularly concerning Chinese subsidies, has prompted the EU to conduct investigations to ensure fair competition within green technology industries.

As global attention turns to energy security amid climate goals, the path forward is fraught with challenges. With increasing scrutiny of foreign technology in essential services, it is clear that balancing economic needs with national security will be paramount as Europe forges its renewable future.

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Source: Noah Wire Services