EU Green Energy Trade and Key Partners, 2023

An overview of the EU’s 2023 trade in renewable energy products, highlighting key import partners for solar panels, liquid biofuels, and wind turbines.

1) EU Partners for Import of Selected Green Energy Products, 2023

• China’s Solar Panel Dominance: In 2023, 98% of the EU’s solar panels were imported from China.
• Diverse Liquid Biofuel Suppliers: The EU sources 36% of its biofuels from China, with the UK (13%) and Brazil (12%) as other key contributors.
• India Leads in Wind Turbines: India supplied 59% of the EU’s wind turbines, while China contributed 29%.

EU Partners for Import of Selected Green Energy Products, 2023 (%)

Source dataset: EU_Partners_for_Import_of_Selected_Green_Energy_Products,_2023

The EU’s imports of green energy products in 2023 highlight a significant reliance on global partners for key renewable energy items, specifically solar panels, liquid biofuels, and wind turbines.

Solar Panels
China dominates the EU’s solar panel imports, accounting for a massive 98% share. This near-monopoly underscores China’s vital role in the global supply chain for solar components, essential for Europe’s shift toward renewable energy. Only 2% of solar panels were sourced from other regions, pointing to the EU’s dependence on Chinese solar technology.

Liquid Biofuels
In the liquid biofuels market, the EU imports are more diversified. While China remains the largest supplier at 36%, other nations also contribute significantly. The United Kingdom provides 13% of the EU’s biofuels, followed by Brazil (12%), Malaysia (11%), and Argentina (10%). These varied sources reflect the EU’s need for agricultural products from biofuel-rich countries, which are critical to its energy mix and sustainability goals.

Wind Turbines
For wind turbines, India emerges as the EU’s primary partner, providing 59% of imports, while China covers 29%. The remaining 12% comes from other sources. Wind energy plays a vital role in Europe’s renewable energy landscape, and India’s strong position in this sector helps Europe meet its wind power demands.

As the EU continues its transition to greener energy, its reliance on key global players—especially China and India—will be pivotal in achieving energy goals.

2) 2023 EU Trade: Key Renewable Energy Products

• Wind Turbine Exports: €2 billion in 2023
• Solar Panel Imports: €19.7 billion in 2023
• Liquid Biofuels Imports: €3.9 billion in 2023

In 2023, the European Union’s trade in renewable energy products demonstrated robust activity in both imports and exports across vital sectors, with solar panels, wind turbines, and liquid biofuels at the forefront.

2023 EU Trade: Key Renewable Energy Products (€ billion)

Source dataset: 2023_EU_Trade_Key_Renewable_Energy_Products

Solar Panels
The EU imported an astounding €19.7 billion worth of solar panels in 2023, reflecting its increasing investment in solar energy infrastructure as part of the broader push toward renewable energy sources. However, the EU’s exports of solar panels were modest, amounting to only €0.9 billion, indicating that the region remains largely dependent on imports to meet its solar energy needs.

Wind Turbines
In the wind turbine sector, the EU achieved €2 billion in exports, underlining its strength in wind energy technology. On the import side, wind turbines accounted for €0.26 billion, a much smaller figure compared to solar panels. This indicates that the EU is a significant producer and exporter of wind turbine technology, contributing to the global renewable energy market.

Liquid Biofuels
The EU imported €3.9 billion worth of liquid biofuels in 2023, underscoring the importance of biofuels in its energy mix. Exports of liquid biofuels were slightly higher than solar panel exports, reaching €2.15 billion, demonstrating the EU’s competitiveness in this renewable energy sector.

The trade activities in these sectors reflect the EU’s commitment to diversifying its renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels as it works toward a greener future.

Source: Eurostat, 2024

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