A Dutch government-backed report warns that growing reliance on Chinese offshore wind turbine components could expose Europe to significant cybersecurity risks and geopolitical leverage by Beijing.
The study, conducted by the research institute TNO, highlights the dangers of strategic dependency on Chinese suppliers, including the potential for cyberattacks or geopolitical manipulation during conflicts, particularly over Taiwan.
“Courting Chinese investment for its renewable energy revolution” leaves the UK “vulnerable to Beijing,” Sir Richard Dearlove, who led MI6 from 1999 to 2004,said.
China’s rising dominance in wind energy
China has cemented its position as a global leader in wind energy, with six of the world’s top ten turbine manufacturers based in the country. This dominance is spilling over into international markets, including Europe, where Chinese turbine makers are keen to expand despite encountering skepticism and resistance from European policymakers and industry leaders.
According to TNO, Europe’s transition to green energy represents a “unique opportunity” to reduce dependency on unreliable suppliers, such as Russia. However, current trends indicate a shift toward a new strategic dependency—on China. This dependence is particularly acute in the supply chain for rare-earth-based permanent magnets essential for offshore wind generators.
TNO’s report highlights the risks posed by embedding Chinese components in Europe’s critical energy infrastructure. Chinese companies, by law, must cooperate with state intelligence agencies if required, making even private firms subject to Beijing’s geopolitical aims.
The report warns that Chinese equipment and software could have vulnerabilities—either deliberately introduced or inadvertently present—that state actors might exploit. Reliance on Chinese suppliers for updates, maintenance, and technical support creates additional entry points for potential cyberattacks.
“Embedding complex Chinese products into energy systems hands the Chinese state greater opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities and execute attacks at a later point,” the report stated. If tensions escalate, particularly in the event of a conflict over Taiwan, Beijing could leverage its foothold in European infrastructure to deter the EU from supporting U.S.-led sanctions.
Ex-MI6 chief warns against overreliance on China for wind turbines
In addition to the TNO report, the former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, has issued a grave warning about the UK’s deepening ties with China following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent visit to Beijing. Her three-day trip aimed to boost investment in British industries, but Dearlove cautioned against the risks of relying on China for critical energy infrastructure.
Sir Richard warned that the growing reliance on China could leave the UK vulnerable, as Chinese industries answer directly to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He criticized what he sees as an ideologically driven push by the UK government, led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, to pursue net-zero policies at the expense of security considerations.
Research from Sheffield Hallam University highlights that materials essential to renewable energy production—such as polysilicon—are being sourced from China’s Uyghur Region, where forced labor is reportedly used. This region accounts for 35 percent of the world’s polysilicon production.
Sir Richard believes this dependence on China could harm the UK economically and ethically. “I’m sure the Chinese are absolutely delighted to contribute to the weakening of our industrial base. We’re rushing to create a zero-carbon economy dependent on renewables which will eventually weaken our economic position,” he stated.
A strategic dilemma for the EU
Europe faces two unattractive options in dealing with Chinese dominance in wind energy, according to TNO. The first is to bear the costs of insulating its market by raising trade barriers and investing heavily in domestic wind energy production through subsidies and other mechanisms. While this approach enhances energy independence, it places a financial burden on taxpayers and could strain the EU’s already struggling wind industry.
The second option involves accepting increased reliance on Chinese suppliers, exposing the EU to significant economic and national security risks. Dependence on Chinese firms for key wind turbine components could undermine the competitiveness of European manufacturers and leave the continent vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or cyberattacks during geopolitical crises.
Source: IE
