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2w ago

U.S. Investigates Security Risks in Chinese Renewable Energy Equipment

Rogue communication devices found in Chinese inverters and batteries raise concerns over potential grid vulnerabilities and national security threats.

Solar panels fields on the green hills stock photo
Solar panels are arrayed on Earth Day in Northfield, Massachusetts, U.S., April 22, 2022. Picture taken with a drone. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
Plants grow through an array of solar panels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S., May 6, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
High-voltage power lines and an electricity pylon next to a group of wind turbines are pictured in Barranco de Tirajana, in the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, May 11, 2022. REUTERS/Borja Suarez/File Photo

Overview

  • U.S. experts uncovered undocumented communication devices in Chinese-made solar inverters and batteries, prompting a federal risk review.
  • These rogue components could bypass firewalls and remotely disrupt power grids, with experts warning of potential blackouts and infrastructure damage.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy is tightening disclosure requirements and promoting domestic manufacturing to reduce dependency on Chinese hardware.
  • Utilities like Florida Power & Light are already transitioning to non-Chinese equipment, while proposed legislation seeks to formalize procurement restrictions.
  • Similar security concerns have led countries like Lithuania to block remote Chinese access to energy systems, with NATO advocating for reduced strategic dependencies.