China controls more than 80 per cent of the global photovoltaic value chain. Over decades, the country has optimised its sources of raw materials, as well as its processing and distribution channels, particularly in the field of renewable technologies. The energy transition does not end Europe’s strategic dependencies – it merely shifts them. It reduces dependence on oil and gas, but in doing so creates new dependencies on solar technology, batteries and critical raw materials. And this applies not only during the roll-out of renewable infrastructure, but also in the long term. After all, the lifespan of wind and solar power plants is ‘only’ around 20 to 30 years. Anyone calling for greater independence should therefore take a broader view and also discuss industrial value creation, resilient supply chains, security of raw materials and recycling.
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