MADRID: The European Union (EU) could become dependent on Chinese lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells by 2030 as a replacement to Russia for energy, Western media reported on Sunday.
The paper prepared for EU leaders seen by Western media will determine the basis of discussions on Europe’s economic security meeting to be held in Granada, Spain on October 5.
Europe worried by growing Chinese influence
The leaders worried by growing Chinese influence will discuss the European Commission’s proposals to lessen the risk of Europe’s reliance on China and the need to focus on Africa and Latin America.
The paper said the Europe will need more ways to save energy to reach its goal of zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
It added the EU demand for lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers, is likely to multiply between 10 and 30 times in the coming years.
Though the EU has a strong position in making electrolysers it depends heavily on China for fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries vital for electric vehicles.
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A year before the Russian war on Ukraine, the Europe took more than 40% of its total gas, 27% of oil imports and 46% of coal imports from Russia.
Ending energy purchases from Russia caused energy price hike in the EU and an increase in consumer inflation, compelling the European Central Bank to raise interest rates a move that has restricted the economic growth.
The paper said the demand for digital devices such as drones, data servers, sensors, storage equipment and data transmission networks will increase in this decade.
