In an era when electrification and digital connectivity are transforming global infrastructure, recent revelations have raised a growing concern: the potential for remote manipulation embedded in Chinese-made electronics. From electric vehicles to critical power grid components and telecommunications equipment, a pattern of cybersecurity vulnerabilities is emerging, raising alarms about national security and economic stability. This article explores these issues, drawing on recent tests in Norway and broader global implications for energy systems.

The Norway Electric Bus Scandal: A Wake-Up Call

Recent safety tests conducted by Ruter, Oslo’s public transport operator, have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in electric buses manufactured by China’s Yutong. Comparing a European-made bus with its Chinese counterpart, the tests revealed that while the European model remained secure, the Yutong bus could be remotely manipulated by its manufacturer. Capabilities include halting the vehicle, shutting it down entirely, or deploying software updates that could irreparably damage essential systems, rendering the bus inoperable.

Although direct steering by external actors isn’t possible, the ability to disrupt operations poses significant risks, especially in scenarios involving geopolitical tensions or supply chain leverage. Ruter Director Bernt Reitan Jenssen emphasized that “everything that’s connected is at risk,” pointing to potential exploitation by suppliers or hackers infiltrating the value chain. These findings were escalated to Norway’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, underscoring the broader threat to public infrastructure. This isn’t an isolated incident; it echoes concerns about Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) potentially being “weaponized” by Beijing, as warned by a British think tank, and efforts to inundate markets like the U.S. with affordable EVs that could serve dual purposes in data collection and mapping.

Extending the Pattern: Backdoors in Phones and Networking Equipment

The issues extend far beyond buses into telecommunications, where Chinese firms like Huawei and ZTE have long been scrutinized for embedding backdoors that could enable espionage or disruption. U.S. authorities, including the FBI, have investigated Huawei equipment capable of intercepting sensitive Defense Department communications, leading to bans on importing or selling such gear due to “unacceptable” national security risks.

Huawei’s 5G infrastructure, in particular, is feared to contain hidden access points allowing the Chinese government to centralize data collection.

Critics point to a history of intellectual property theft, malware, and backdoors dating back nearly two decades.

ZTE faces similar accusations, with documented security incidents reinforcing doubts about the safety of Chinese telecom hardware.

These vulnerabilities could compromise phone systems, enabling surveillance or network disruptions on a massive scale.

While specific searches on platforms like Energy News Beat for U.S. grid-related backdoors in controlled chips yielded limited direct matches, the overarching narrative aligns with reports of Chinese components infiltrating critical infrastructure, amplifying these telecom risks into energy sectors.

The Global Grid’s Vulnerability: China’s Manufacturing Dominance

China’s grip on global manufacturing exacerbates these cybersecurity concerns, particularly in energy infrastructure. In 2023, China commanded over 20% of world manufacturing exports, a sharp rise from just 3% in 1995.

This dominance is stark in renewables: China leads in wind turbine manufacturing, with firms like Goldwind and Envision topping global market shares, relying on their home market for 70% of installations but exporting aggressively.

Solar is even more lopsided—China accounts for the largest share across the entire supply chain, with exports surging 73% in 2025 and installed capacity surpassing 1,000 GW globally.

Transformers and power grid components tell a similar story. China’s overdependence in these areas heightens risks, as evidenced by rogue communication devices—such as undocumented cellular radios—discovered in Chinese-made solar inverters.

These “kill switches” could enable remote shutdowns, threatening grid stability.

U.S. officials have confirmed Chinese transformers in critical sectors pose cyber vulnerabilities, with two administrations acknowledging the threat.

Globally, turbines and components from China may be susceptible to IT sabotage, amplifying energy and cybersecurity challenges.

In consumer electronics, China’s market share in phones and networking equipment is equally commanding, with firms like Huawei dominating supply chains.

At Energy News Beat, we have been covering this issue for years. And are very concerned.

Here are three stories that should be alarming on their own, but throw the latest from Norway into the mix, and it is a huge issue.

Could China Hack Our Electric Grid? – in 4 words – Yes and How Soon? The Real Question – Is Mayorkas in on it?

US officials deliver warning that Chinese hackers are targeting infrastructure – Warning About The Real Question – Is Mayorkas in on it? 

How Trust in China Was Lost, and Consequently They Lost the Wind and Solar Business

This concentration creates a single point of failure:

A coordinated cyber attack or embedded backdoor could disrupt power grids, communications, and transportation worldwide, potentially during conflicts or as economic leverage.

The scale is immense—China added 198 GW of solar and 46 GW of wind capacity in early 2025 alone, equivalent to an entire nation’s electricity output.

For the U.S. grid and its major interconnects (Eastern, Western, and Texas), reliance on these components increases exposure to espionage or sabotage, as noted in intelligence estimates.

Globally, this overdependence could lead to widespread blackouts, economic losses, and strategic vulnerabilities.

Guidance for Investors and Consumers

Amid these risks, proactive measures are essential. Investors should prioritize companies diversifying away from Chinese suppliers, favoring those investing in domestic or allied manufacturing (e.g., U.S., European, or Indian alternatives) to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Look for firms with robust cybersecurity certifications, transparent sourcing, and exposure to reshoring initiatives. In renewables, evaluate portfolios emphasizing non-Chinese solar panels or wind turbines, as clean energy transitions must balance speed with security.

Consumers, particularly in EVs, phones, and home solar setups, should opt for products from trusted brands with verifiable non-Chinese components. Check for government advisories on banned equipment (e.g., U.S. restrictions on Huawei) and support policies promoting local production. Ultimately, awareness and demand for secure, diversified tech can drive market shifts, reducing the global grid’s fragility to these hidden threats.

Energy Security starts at home, and check your backup generators, solar panels, and be prepared to work with any disaster: man-made or natural.

As the world accelerates toward net-zero, addressing China’s manufacturing monopoly and its cyber implications isn’t just prudent—it’s imperative for energy sovereignty.

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