Sign in Subscribe
Energy industries

Renewable Energy Expansion Does Not Necessarily Lead to Higher Import Dependency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has found that increasing renewable energy capacity does not drive up technology imports, contrary to previous studies. According to the study, a 100% increase in wind energy capacity growth led to a 1.9% increase in wind technology imports, while a similar growth rate for solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity resulted in a 6.2% increase in PV technology imports. The study's findings suggest that policymakers should continue to support renewable energy expansion, as it may offer opportunities for local industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used a structural gravity model to analyze the relationship between technology imports and the expansion of wind and solar PV capacities.
  • The research found significant differences in countries' development trajectories, with increases in renewable energy capacity not substantially driving technology imports between 2000 and 2020.
  • The study revealed that a 100% increase in wind energy capacity growth led to a 1.9% increase in wind technology imports, while a similar growth rate for solar PV capacity resulted in a 6.2% increase in PV technology imports.
  • The research concluded that policymakers should continue to support renewable energy expansion, as it does not lead to higher import dependency and may offer opportunities for local industries.
  • The study's findings are consistent when China, the largest producer of clean energy technologies, is excluded from the dataset.
  • The study's recommendations support industry-specific support measures to promote local industries.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Energy Policy.

Statistics:

  • Between 2000 and 2020, increases in renewable energy capacity did not substantially drive technology imports.
  • A 100% increase in wind energy capacity growth led to a 1.9% increase in wind technology imports.
  • A 100% increase in solar PV capacity growth resulted in a 6.2% increase in PV technology imports.

Sources:

  • Assessing Import Dependencies In the Accelerating Energy Transition: a Structural Gravity Model Analysis. Energy Policy, 2025;205.
  • Energy Policy. Elsevier Sci Ltd, 125 London Wall, London, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Energy Policy - www.journals.elsevier.com/energy-policy/)
  • German Aerospace Center (DLR). Inst Networked Energy Syst, Curiestr 4, D-70563 Stuttgart, Germany.
  • NewsRx. Findings from German Aerospace Center (DLR) Reveals New Findings on Renewable Energy (Assessing Import Dependencies In the Accelerating Energy Transition: a Structural Gravity Model Analysis). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 17, 2025; p 103.

Read more