NextEra Energy Resources, America's top renewable energy company, has thrown shade at new U.S. tariffs on Chinese clean tech, warning they could slam the brakes on climate goals. CEO Rebecca Kujawa told the Financial Times the policies might “create higher costs for customers” and derail decarbonization targets – a potential plot twist for Biden’s green ambitions.
Solar Stumbling Blocks
Industry leaders say tariffs on solar panels and batteries from the Chinese mainland could make renewable projects pricier and delay the U.S. goal of carbon-free electricity by 2035. “We don’t have domestic manufacturing here, so why tariff imports?” asked Invenergy CEO Jim Murphy, highlighting how costs might spook investors.
Clean Energy Civil War
The move has split the sector: Big manufacturers cheer protection from cheap imports, while developers fear supply shortages. Eurasia Group analyst Herbert Crowther called it a clash between “China policy and climate policy,” adding that anti-China rhetoric often wins votes in D.C.
This comes after Biden’s May tariff hike on Chinese EVs and solar gear – and a new probe into alleged “dumping” by Chinese solar firms in Southeast Asia. But Bloomberg’s David Fickling warns the U.S. already lags behind global targets to triple renewables by 2030. With green projects needing speed, experts say tariffs might hit like a hurricane.
U.S. Shoppers Hit with Higher Prices as China Tariffs Bite
