Lithuania has taken a proactive approach by passing a law blocking remote Chinese access to solar installations above 100 kilowatts. This move effectively restricts the use of Chinese-made inverters, which are supplied by Huawei, the world's largest supplier.
The Lithuanian government's decision is part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on foreign technology and mitigate security risks. The European Solar Manufacturing Council estimates that over 200 GW of European solar power capacity is linked to inverters made in China, equivalent to more than 200 nuclear power plants.
Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas warned that this could extend to smaller rooftop solar installations, further emphasizing the need for action. NATO officials have emphasized the importance of identifying and reducing strategic dependencies, particularly in critical infrastructure areas like energy production.
The recent commercial dispute between Sol-Ark and Deye highlighted the risk of foreign influence over local electricity supplies, underscoring the need for countries to prioritize security and sovereignty in their technological choices.