China has secret 'kill switch' which could 'physically destroy' Western grids in the event of WW3

It has been claimed that China has a secret 'kill switch' which could 'physically destroy' grids in the West in the event of WW3.

Chinese-made power inverters are said to be an integral component of renewable energy infrastructure and are used throughout the world.

As reported by Reuters, the technology is designed to connect solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids, as well as other devices.

Electric car chargers, batteries and heat pumps also contain power inverts, which are mainly provided by China.

It is well-known that the inverts contain technology that allows updates to be made remotely, as companies in the utility sector often install firewalls to prevent any outside communication.

Engineers have reportedly discovered a worrying tech problem in some China-made devices (Getty Stock Images)

Two people familiar with the matter, however, have told the outlet that they found 'unexplained communication equipment' inside some of the solar power inverters.

US energy experts discovered 'undocumented communication devices' and 'cellular radios' in some of the devices that were checked.

"That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid," one of the sources said.

And in the event of WW3, turning off electrical devices could prove to be a huge advantage.

Reuters reports that both individuals said they 'did not have permission to speak to the media' and requested to remain anonymous.

Chinese-made power inverters are said to be an integral component of renewable energy infrastructure and are used throughout the world (Getty Stock Images)

It comes after Mike Rogers, a former director of the US National Security Agency, warned: "We know that China believes there is value in placing at least some elements of our core infrastructure at risk of destruction or disruption.

"I think that the Chinese are, in part, hoping that the widespread use of inverters limits the options that the West has to deal with the security issue."

From a UK point of view, The Telegraph reported that shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie said the findings need to be looked into by Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband.

Andrew Bowie has issued a warning for the UK (Getty Stock Images)

"We were already aware of concerns being raised by the Ministry of Defence and the security and intelligence services surrounding possible monitoring technology on Chinese-built wind turbines," he said.

"But given the dominance of China in solar, these developments are equally if not even more worrying."

"Ed Miliband’s Made in China transition – clean power at the expense of everything else – is a threat to our national security and makes a mockery of his claims on energy security," Bowie continued.

"It is essential that an immediate pause and review is carried out to ensure the safety and security of our energy system."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington has said in a statement: "We oppose the generalisation of the concept of national security, distorting and smearing China's infrastructure achievements."