UK to amend rules on GB Energy solar panel supply chain

GB Energy, the UK’s state-owned energy company focused on renewable initiatives, is set to face new supply chain legislation. According to the UK government, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will introduce the amendment to prevent the use of solar panels linked to forced labour. As per the UK government, the decision responds to concerns over Uyghur Muslim exploitation in China’s Xinjiang region, which supplies 50% of global polysilicon. Britain currently imports more than 40% of its solar panels from China, creating major implementation challenges. Labour MPs said that the decision marks a policy success, while Conservative MPs described it as a government U-turn. The UK government has confirmed that the amendment will not impact the UK’s net zero targets, with diversification efforts continuing under the Solar Taskforce’s initiatives.