Imports of green energy products to the EU exceed €14 billion per year

According to Eurostat, in 2024, EU countries imported green energy products worth almost €14.6 billion from outside the bloc. Solar panels accounted for the largest share – €11.1 billion, followed by liquid biofuels – €2.9 billion, and wind turbines – €0.5 billion.

Despite a 43% decrease in the cost of solar panel imports compared to 2023, physical volumes increased by 2% year-on-year. Biofuel prices fell by 25% y/y. In contrast, imports of wind turbines doubled, both in terms of value (+102% y/y) and volume (+113% y/y). In total, the EU purchased 32,400 turbines in 2024, which is 9,000 more than a year earlier.

The picture is different in the export sector. The EU exported wind turbines worth €2.8 billion, which significantly exceeded import figures. Exports of these products grew by 41% y/y in monetary terms and by 28% y/y in volume. A total of 17.2 thousand turbines were shipped, which is 7.4 thousand more than in 2023.

China remained the main supplier of solar panels, accounting for 98% of total imports (€10.9 billion). In the biofuel sector, the largest partners were China (24%), Malaysia (15%), the United Kingdom (13%), and Brazil (12%). Wind turbines were mainly supplied by India (48%) and China (43%).

Thus, the EU remains dependent on imports of green energy products, especially in the solar panel segment.

It should be noted that in June of this year, solar power became the largest source of electricity in the EU for the first time, surpassing nuclear and wind power. At the same time, coal’s contribution to the bloc’s energy balance fell to a historically low level. Solar energy accounted for 22.1% (45.4 TWh) of EU electricity production (18.9% in the same period in 2024).