As Europe accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a critical question arises: Will we lead in innovation, or remain dependent on imports? At the Lietuvos Davosas – Economy and Business Forum, Julija Kaladžinskaitė, Founder of Solar Explain, delivered a compelling message: Europe’s energy independence hinges not just on renewable energy production, but on our ability to invent, develop, and manufacture the technologies that drive it.

The Hidden Risk of Clean Energy Dependency

While Europe is rapidly moving away from fossil fuels, it has become heavily reliant on imported renewable energy technologies. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage solutions largely come from third countries, leaving Europe vulnerable to:

• Supply chain disruptions – Geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions can cause price volatility and shortages.
• Technological dependency – Innovation is dictated by external suppliers, limiting Europe’s control over its own clean energy future.
• Economic stagnation – Without local manufacturing, we miss out on job creation, technological advancements, and market competitiveness.

Julija warned that Europe risks repeating past mistakes—trading fossil fuel dependency for technological dependency. Without urgent action, we may find ourselves locked into a renewable energy market where others control supply, pricing, and innovation.

The Power of Local Innovation and Talent

The key to true energy independence is not just installing solar and wind capacity—it is developing and producing these technologies in Europe. This requires strong investment in talent, R&D, and local manufacturing to:

• Ensure supply chain security – Reduce reliance on external markets and create stability.
• Foster technological leadership – Drive cutting-edge innovations in renewable energy.
• Boost economic growth – Create high-quality jobs and export opportunities in the clean energy sector.
• Strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy – Reduce risks tied to external supply chain manipulation.

Innovation and talent are the backbone of energy independence. Without them, we are merely consumers, not leaders, Kaladžinskaitė stated.

The Urgent Need for R&D Investment

To break free from external reliance, Europe must prioritize research, innovation, and workforce development. Today, local renewable energy companies struggle to compete, often overshadowed by cheaper imported products. Without adequate investment, European manufacturers lack the support needed to scale, innovate, and compete globally.

To change this, Europe needs:

• Strong university-industry partnerships – Connecting research institutions with businesses to develop next-generation solar, wind, and storage technologies.
• Government-backed R&D funding – Ensuring European companies have the financial backing to innovate.
• Talent development programs – Investing in education, upskilling, and workforce training to fill critical gaps in the renewable energy sector.
• Strategic policy support – Favoring European-made solutions to level the playing field and ensure long-term industry stability.

The Crossroads: Will Europe Lead or Follow?

Several policy initiatives are set to shape the direction of Europe’s energy future. These include:

• Net-Zero Industry Act – Aiming to manufacture at least 40 percent of clean energy technologies in Europe by 2030.
• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – Ensuring imported goods face the same emissions costs as EU-produced alternatives, preventing unfair competition.
• Clean Industrial Deal – Supporting industries facing high energy costs and global competition, ensuring clean energy technologies remain profitable.
• Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 Directive – Strengthening digital security in energy infrastructure, protecting grids and storage systems from cyber threats.

These measures could determine whether Europe becomes a clean energy leader or remains a dependent consumer. The time to act is now.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Path of Innovation

Europe stands at a pivotal moment. The choice is clear: invest in local talent, R&D, and manufacturing, or remain at the mercy of external suppliers.

If we prioritize innovation, we can secure technological leadership, economic growth, and true energy independence. But if we continue to rely on imports, we risk losing control over our clean energy future.

The future of Europe’s renewable energy sector is not just about transitioning to green energy – it is about who controls that transition. Will we be the inventors, or just the buyers?

Now is the time to choose.

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