With the help of Russia: China can turn wind turbines into "weapons" against Germany and the EU

This is stated in the report prepared by the Research Center of the German Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies at the request of the Ministry of Defense, reports Politico. Researchers recommend that the German government stop building wind power plants using turbines or their components from Chinese manufacturers. Given the political situation, China can deliberately use failures as a means of political pressure or a tool of economic war, having "significant potential for blackmail.

" In February, it was reported that Britain is also afraid of wind generators from China. Beijing suppliers will have access to computer programs that control active turbines and collect data from hundreds of radars built into the farm. This is a significant threat, considering that in 2024 the wind produced a third of electricity in Germany and the fifth part in the European Union.

If Beijing relationships are deteriorating for some reason, Chinese companies can postpone new wind generating farms for four to five years or even more. In addition, it can take other harmful measures in this area, coordinating with Russia. In this case, China can access important elements of energy infrastructure near the areas where military exercises are conducted.

"The destabilization of both the political system, the business model of the German industry, and social cohesion due to the lack or insufficient safety of planning in the energy sector," the report states. Studies have been conducted because of the risk of critical infrastructure in Europe. Since 2022, at least six separate incidents have taken place in the Baltic Sea that underwater diversion could be caused.

Meanwhile, the European Union launched a campaign against Chinese suppliers of wind power plants after suspecting them of receiving government subsidies to outstrip European competitors and receive orders instead. Last year, the European Commission began investigating the wind -related projects in Bulgaria, France, Greece, Romania and Spain.

According to Andrea Skolsol, Vice -Cresident of Wind Research at RYSTAD consulting company, these risks are likely to increase if relationships with Beijing worsen. "What we see increases the rivalry between the great powers, and at a time when our world is more interconnected than ever, it increases vulnerability and risks," he said. The expert believes that excessive dependence on China also increases the risk of cyberattacks that can lead to stopping power plants.

Public warnings or legal measures to restrict Chinese access have already taken place in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Poland and Lithuania. Despite the risks, Germany viewed companies from China as potential suppliers. Last year, the developer of the Luxcara project decided to order from the Beijing company Ming Yang Smart Energy 16 turbines for the Waterkant Maritime Wind Station in the northwest of Germany.