The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in the UK is considering modifying laws to ensure that its newly established state-owned energy company, Great British Energy (GB Energy), avoids the use of solar panels produced by Chinese companies allegedly using forced labor.
A spokesperson for the Department of Energy stated on Wednesday, “No industry in the UK should rely on forced labor… We are collaborating with various government departments to address the issue of forced labor in the solar supply chain.”
The spokesperson also mentioned, “We are exploring ways to further assist in ensuring that GB Energy becomes an industry leader in this area.”
Currently, the UK Parliament is in the process of legislating to regulate this state-supported company. During the legislative process, some lawmakers have criticized the source of solar panels, calling for legislation to resist products manufactured using forced labor. However, there are concerns among lawmakers that any changes to supply chain rules could make it difficult to achieve the UK’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.
Over 80% of solar panels globally are manufactured in China. Research from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK found that the production of polysilicon (a core component of solar panels) is allegedly linked to forced Uyghur labor.
The United States has already passed legislation prohibiting imports from dozens of Chinese companies producing cotton goods, automotive parts, and solar panels due to allegations of human rights violations against the Uyghur minority, who are primarily Muslim.
China (CCP) vehemently denies any human rights violations.
Following reports in The Times that Parliament is considering legislation to ban GB Energy from using Chinese solar panels allegedly manufactured with forced labor, a spokesperson for the Department of Energy stated that further updates will be released soon.
GB Energy was launched in July 2024 with the aim of promoting investments in renewable energy and lowering energy costs.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters)