China is the leading manufacturer of polysilicon — the basic material that goes into making solar panels. The extraction of raw materials used for producing solar panels are at high risk of being produced under the use of forced labour; through government-organized forced labour programs mainly in the region of Xinjiang.
Several studies have shown that there is a high degree of certainty that production of solar panels is exposed for high risk of human and worker abuse. With strong and intensifying human rights and environmental justice concerns associated with repressive Chinese government policies in Xinjiang carry significant ethical implications for solar industry activities in the region. How do we approach the supply chain of solar panels with such a high risk for use of forced labour?
In this seminar Laura T. Murphy will share her in-depth insights on the current situation in China including the Chinese solar energy supply chain. Laura has provided expert evidence briefs regarding the situation in the Uyghur Region for the U.K. and Australian governments and spent significant time in the Uyghur region between 2004 and 2009. She is also author of the forthcoming Freedomville: The Story of a 21st Century Slave Revolt (Columbia Global Reports) and The New Slave Narrative: The Battle over Representations of Contemporary Slavery (Columbia University Press, 2019) as well as academic articles on forced labour. Further Laura has consulted the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Office of Victims of Crime. We will learn more about how Chinese supply chains of renewable energy equipment is structured and what to be aware of. How should foreign companies best approach the current situation?
We will also hear what The Solar Energy Cluster in Norway is currently doing to approach the challenges related to human rights abuse in the industry. How are Norwegian solar actors working to minimize risk of forced labour in own supply chains, and how can the industry use the due diligence methodology to promote increased transparency in these supply chains.
Is there a real alternative to the high-risk supply chains of Chinese renewable energy equipment?
For whom
Companies and public enterprises buying or distributing solar panels. The seminar is aimed at those who are responsible for carrying out and/ or reporting on due diligence assessments and/or persons responsible for following up suppliers. It will also be relevant for purchasing responsible and other involved resources. Anyone interested in the topic and eager to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in solar energy industry is welcome to join.
This seminar is only available for members of Etichal Trade Norways and/ or Solenergiklyngen.
After this seminar the participants will;
- Know more about the risks when handling solar cells equipment.
- Have a clear idea about the critical elements in these supply chains
- Be better equipped when going into dialog with own suppliers handling solar panels
No prior knowledge is required, but to get the most out of the seminar we urge you to familiarize yourself with the current debate related to solar cells equipment and human rights. You are also encouraged to have a look at the article “In broad daylight” and or the “Sins of a Solar Empire”.
Price
Open for members of Ethical Trade Norway and Solenergiklyngen only. Free of charge.
