Overview

• The UK government will require GB Energy to exclude materials linked to forced labour from its supply chains, including solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries.
• This marks a reversal from Labour MPs' earlier decision to block a similar amendment to the Great British Energy Bill in March.
• The move aims to address widespread concerns over human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang region, a major source of polysilicon used in solar panels.
• Critics warn the policy could slow the UK's progress toward its 2030 clean energy goals, while the government pledges to support domestic supply chain development.
• Plans are underway to form an international buyer’s club to pressure China into improving labour standards in renewable energy supply chains.