The production of clean energy from sources such as nuclear, wind and solar reached Record values in 2023 and will thus cover more than two thirds of the EU's electricity needs.
Despite the progress, the Union must prioritise investments in innovative, clean technologies that reduce its dependence on China, warns a new report by the EU Institute for Security Studies.
Europe is notoriously dependent on China and other foreign powers for supplies of everything from solar panels and batteries to semiconductors.
But where exactly should the EU invest its money?
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“Although the list of promising technologies that deserve more attention is endless, limited resources require prioritization,” wrote energy analyst Lukas Trakimavičius, the author of the report.
“Given the need for rapid decarbonization, it is crucial to focus on technologies that can be deployed in the short to medium term.”
The report highlights four new technologies that could help Europe in its quest for energy security.
Next generation geothermal energy
Harnessing heat from the Earth’s core is an increasingly attractive option for Europe.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need huge volcanoes or steaming hot springs to generate geothermal energy. Next-generation technologies are emerging that can extract energy from depths miles deep.
This makes geothermal energy a viable option for Countries like CroatiaGermany and Great Britain, where there is not necessarily boiling water directly under your feet.
The benefits of geothermal energy are numerous. It provides a virtually unlimited, abundant source of clean energy that can power homes when the wind isn't blowing or the sun isn't shining.
Geothermal energy could also improve energy security. Unlike solar panels or wind turbines, geothermal power plants do not rely on rare or critical materials from abroad. Most can be built using off-the-shelf components from the oil and gas industry.
The US startup Eavor is currently building its first radiator-style geothermal power plant in Germany. Image credit: Eavor 
Nonetheless generated only 0.2% of EU electricity in 2022. Most next-generation geothermal technologies are still in their infancy, but this seems to be changing.
Private investment in geothermal startups has skyrocketed in recent years, led by US billionaires including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Michael Bloomberg.
The US startup Eavor recently broke ground on its first Major project in Germany, which is scheduled to launch this year. The startup has financing to build five more geothermal projects in North America and Europe.
Europe would benefit from having its own geothermal unicorn. The bloc's oil and gas expertise, abundance of suitable sites and drive for greater energy autonomy make geothermal an exciting prospect.
Sodium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are standard in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles – but there may be a better alternative.
Sodium-ion batteries are promising as cheapersafer and more sustainable Option. In addition, sodium is the seventh most common element on earth and can be found practically everywhere, including in Europe.
Sodium-ion batteries also do not require Cobalt, graphite or nickel, elements that are mostly sourced from outside the block.
The catch is that sodium-ion batteries are not as dense as lithium-ion batteries. They are simply not suitable for some technologies.
But for applications where power density is less critical, such as energy storage systems or electric vehicles, they could be a game-changer, says Trakimavičius.
The US startup Bedrock Materials recently said Fast Company The company believes that the cost savings from using its sodium-ion batteries “could actually make the $25,000 Tesla possible.”
Perovskite solar cells
Solar energy generated 10% of the The total electricity consumption of the EU in 2023.
Most of this energy was generated using silicon solar panels, over 90% of which are imported from China.
But there is a new alternative that could give Europe a competitive advantage: Perovskite. This mineral offers several advantages over its silicon counterpart.
The unique material properties of perovskite mean that it can absorb solar energy better. An average solar panel has an efficiency of around 15-20%, while perovskite can achieve an efficiency of 25% or more.
British startup Oxford PV has developed a tandem solar module made of perovskite and silicon that is said to be the most efficient in the world. Image credit: Oxford PV
It is also potentially more sustainable. Unlike silicon panels, which require high temperatures to produce, perovskite crystals can be grown at relatively low heat, dramatically reducing emissions.
Although the EU’s dependence on Chinese solar modules is unlikely to diminish any time soon, a leading role in perovskite solar cells “could make a significant contribution to the EU’s goals of bringing its cleantech industry back to the country,” said Trakimavičius.
A startup from Oxford recently built the the most efficient solar module in the world using a tandem perovskite silicon cell. The modules have a theoretical efficiency of 43%, which has not yet been achieved in practice.
With the help of venture capital and government funding totaling a whopping €116 million, Oxford PV is currently ramping up production at its factory in Germany to produce its hybrid solar cells in large quantities.
Advanced biofuels
You have probably heard of trucks, cars and even Airplanes is powered by old cooking oil. This is biofuel in its simplest form.
Today, modern biofuels are emerging as a new class of renewable fuels replacing diesel. These fuels, which can be liquid or gaseous, are produced from sources such as agricultural waste and forest residues.
Biofuels do emit greenhouse gases, but in much smaller amounts than fossil fuels. However, they are often considered zero-emission fuels because their emissions are offset by growing new crops to produce more biofuels. This logic has its shortcomings.
“For some, doubling biofuels may seem like a step backwards,” says Trakimavičius.
However, they could provide a cleaner, drop-in fuel that would enable hard-to-decarbonise transport modes such as ships, planes and trucks to quickly move away from fossil fuels – while we wait for battery and hydrogen technology to catch up.
Like all the technologies we have covered here, biofuels offer a viable solution for the EU to meet its climate and security goals, but these are just some of the many technologies that will be needed to achieve this.
Europe, which oftenAnd since it is currently trying to catch up with the US and China, it should play to its strengths, says Trakimavičius.
“The EU has a good chance of becoming a cleantech stronghold,” he said. “It has a first-class research infrastructure, a strong start-up scene and is home to some of the boldest greenhouse gas reduction policies in the world.”
