The EU could become dependent on batteries made in China

If the European Union (EU) does not take strong action, by 2030 it could become as dependent on lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells from China as it was on Russia before the Ukraine war.

The topic included in the document prepared for EU leaders and reviewed by Reuters will form the basis of discussions on Europe’s economic security when leaders meet in Granada, Spain, on October 5.

CHINA’S CONCERNS WILL BE DISCUSSED

Concerned about China’s growing global assertiveness and economic influence, leaders will discuss the European Commission’s proposals to reduce the risk of becoming too dependent on China and the need to diversify its options by looking to Africa and South America.

The document states that since renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are not permanent, Europe must find ways to store energy to achieve the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050.

“This will lead to a sharp increase in our demand for lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers, which is expected to multiply by 10 and 30 in the coming years,” stated the Spanish presidency of the EU in the document prepared . .

AN INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED INTO CHINESE CARS

Last week, the EU Commission launched an investigation into subsidies for electric cars imported from China to EU countries.

Stating that China’s unfair trade practices had negatively affected the European solar energy industry in the past, von der Leyen said many companies in Europe lost their business to highly subsidized Chinese competitors.

“Global markets are now flooded with cheaper Chinese electric cars. Chinese electric car prices are kept artificially low thanks to huge government subsidies. “This situation disrupts the functioning of our market,” said von der Leyen, stressing that they do not accept this situation.

In recent years, the share of Chinese manufacturers in electric cars sold in EU countries has increased rapidly. (SÖZCÜ-REUTERS)