China backing Europe's green energy transition

As Europe aggressively pursues a green energy transition to reduce its reliance on imported traditional fuels, Chinese new energy companies are playing a pivotal role by providing high-quality photovoltaic solutions, industry experts said.

This collaboration is crucial as the European Union aims to significantly increase its renewable energy consumption, despite its own limited production capacity, they said.

Chinese PV manufacturers have become indispensable partners in Europe's energy transition. Their technological advancements, coupled with economies of scale, have delivered high-quality solar panels at competitive prices, making renewable energy more accessible and accelerating deployment across the continent, said Lin Boqiang, head of the China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University.

As Europe has a low self-sufficiency rate for traditional energy and a high dependence on external sources, it is particularly proactive in energy structure transformation, Lin said.

The EU has set ambitious targets, aiming for 42.5 percent renewable energy in final consumption by 2030, a substantial increase from the current 32 percent. However, its own renewable energy production capabilities are insufficient to meet these goals, creating a significant opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation with China, a global leader in green technologies.

Chinese firms, with their specialized technology and extensive experience in the PV sector, are increasingly instrumental in Europe's renewable energy development, providing solutions that span from residential rooftops to large industrial and commercial installations.

"The synergy between China's mature PV technology and Europe's ambitious renewable energy goals presents a significant opportunity for mutual growth and environmental progress," said Lin.

"Chinese companies have accumulated invaluable expertise in the solar sector, and we are committed to providing European partners with reliable and cutting-edge solutions that support their decarbonization efforts."

According to Yu Yongjian, Total-Energies China country chair, China has been at the forefront of energy technology development for the past 15 years, achieving "remarkable results".

"China's breakthroughs and global leadership in key areas such as solar panels, wind turbine generators, electric vehicles and battery technology are key indicators of China's globally leading position," he said.

The company has had large purchases of Chinese-made solar panels and the deployment of Chinese wind turbines in TotalEnergies' projects worldwide, he added.

Amid high energy prices in Europe, some Chinese companies are actively exploring the integration of solar technology into household appliances to better meet consumer demand for green living.

During the recently concluded 2025 Intersolar Europe exhibition, one of the world's most influential events in the photovoltaic industry, Chinese companies won widespread acclaim for their cutting-edge products and system integration capabilities.