EU imports more green energy products than it exports

Green Forum
In 2023, the EU imported €19.7 billion worth of solar panels, €3.9 billion of liquid biofuels, and €0.3 billion worth of wind turbines from extra-EU countries, according to the Eurostat data.

The value of imported solar panels decreased by 12% compared with 2022 due to a drop in prices, while the quantity increased by 5%. Liquid biofuel imports recorded a 22% drop in value, with a modest 2% decline in quantity. Imports of wind turbines dropped significantly during this period, with a 66 % decrease in value and a 68% decrease in quantity.

At the same time, the EU exported €0.9 billion worth of solar panels, €2.2 billion in liquid biofuels, and €2.0 billion in wind turbines. Unlike solar panels and liquid biofuels, wind turbine exports significantly exceeded import values.

Between 2022 and 2023, the export of wind turbines saw the largest increase in value (+49 %) while their quantity increased by 26%. Exports of solar panels rose by 19 % in value and by 37% in quantity. Similarly, exports of liquid biofuels showed a higher increase in quantity compared with value (+63 % vs +36 %).

China was by far the largest supplier of solar panels, accounting for 98% of all imports. Wind turbines were imported mainly from India (59%) and China (29%). For liquid biofuels, China led with 36%, followed by the United Kingdom with 13% and Brazil with 12%.

RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Energy

Rezolv Energy launches Bulgaria's St. George solar park

Rezolv Energy has commissioned the St. George solar park in Silistra, Bulgaria, marking the company's first project to become operational. The 225 MW facility reached full operational status in under three years from acquisition of development rights.

Real estate

Data and energy performance are redefining real estate value

In a video interview recorded at Bratislava Property Forum 2026, Hubert Abt FRICS, CEO of workcloud24, explains why energy performance is emerging as the most important operational metric, how investors are approaching sustainability and what it takes to create real value through data-driven asset management.

Finance

ProCredit Bank Romania launches CO2 calculator for SMEs

ProCredit Bank Romania has launched a CO2 Emissions Calculator to help microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises quantify and understand their carbon footprint. This initiative reflects the Procredit Group's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with client engagement at the core of its Climate Action Strategy.