Imports of “green” technologies and fuels into the EU significantly exceed exports

In 2023, EU countries imported solar panels, wind turbines and liquid biofuels worth a total of 23.9 billion euros from non-EU countries. The value of exports of these technologies and fuels to non-EU countries was just 5.1 billion euros over the same period. The European statistics office Eurostat reported.

According to the published statistics, solar panels accounted for the vast majority of the value of green technology and fuel imports into the EU in 2023, at 19.7 billion euros. Although the quantity of imported solar panels rose by 5% year on year, the value of imports fell by 12% due to lower prices.

An even larger drop in the value of imports was recorded for wind turbines, at 66% year on year. The quantity of imported wind turbines also fell by almost 70%.

Solar imports, wind exports

While imports of solar panels into the EU are almost 20 times higher than exports, exports of wind turbines significantly exceed imports. According to the published statistics, EU countries exported wind turbines worth two billion euros in 2023, while imports of wind turbines over the same period were worth just 300 million euros.

“Between 2022 and 2023, the value of wind turbine exports rose the most (+49%), while the quantity increased by 26%. Solar panel exports rose by 19% in value and by 37% in quantity,” Eurostat said.

Solar panels and biofuels “Made in China”

China is the dominant supplier of solar panels to EU countries. According to the published statistics, China accounted for 98% of the value of imported solar panels last year.

China is not only the main supplier of solar panels, but also of liquid biofuels. Its share in this market is considerably lower, at 36%. Other key suppliers of liquid biofuels include the United Kingdom (13%), Brazil (12%), Malaysia (11%) and Argentina (10%).

In 2023, India was the EU’s main supplier of wind turbines, with a 59% share. China also accounted for just under 30%.