Wed April, 2021, Age: 3 years
Four of the world’s biggest polysilicon producers are based in Xinjiang, and together they produce more than half the world’s supply. Polysilicon is the raw material required for solar panel production, and industry capacity is predicted to grow tenfold in the next three decades. But it is also likely that global solar energy supply chains will be tainted by dirty coal and forced labor. Due to the lack of transparency in Xinjiang and the difficulty of access for international auditors, it is impossible to confirm or deny links between China’s solar industry and its forced labor program. Public records suggest that at least three of the companies have participated in state-run employment programs that are tantamount to forced labor.