Ed Miliband Greenlights Solar Plant Despite Accusations of Uyghur Forced Labor Involvement
The Mallard Pass Solar Project, along with 2 other projects, received approval despite allegations linking its main developer, Canadian Solar, to Uyghur forced labour.
Ed Miliband approved a solar farm project in England despite concerns about Uyghur forced labour.
Mallard Pass Solar Project was one of the approved projects, sanctioned by Mr. Miliband, the new secretary of state for energy security and net zero.
This decision came after local MP Alicia Kearns raised issues about Canadian Solar’s involvement in Uyghur forced labour.
In her letter to Mr. Miliband, Ms. Kearns stated that Canadian Solar’s supply chain links to forced labour should disqualify them from building significant infrastructure in the UK.
The Mallard Pass Solar Project proposal was submitted in November 2022.
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Developers Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy estimate that the solar farm will power 92,000 households on 852 hectares of land in South Kesteven, Lincolnshire, and Rutland.
Mr. Miliband’s decision letter from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) highlighted the project’s public benefits outweighing the identified harm, leading to the development consent being granted.
Two other solar projects were also approved on the same day.
The minister assured that the government will make tough decisions to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower.
Ms. Kearns criticized the quick approval, calling it an example of ideology overriding thoughtful governance.
Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., is one of the developers for the Mallard Pass Solar Project.
Dumping Ground
Experts highlighted the UK’s vulnerability as a “dumping ground” for goods tainted with Uyghur forced labor due to looser import regulations compared to other countries.
MPs were informed that some manufacturers operate “clean” and “dirty” production lines based on destination markets, leading to potential diversion of rejected goods to the UK.
Recurrent Energy and Canadian Solar did not respond to The Epoch Times’s requests for comments.
More Projects
DESNZ also approved Gate Burton in Lincolnshire and Sunnica in Suffolk.
Sunnica alone is expected to create 1,500 construction jobs, contributing to the government’s growth mission.
These projects aim to generate 1.3 gigawatts, powering approximately 400,000 homes annually.
Local MP Nick Timothy criticized the approval of Sunnica, expressing concerns about the safety of the battery energy storage system planned for the site.
Opposition to the decision can seek judicial review within six weeks.
Rooftop Revolution
Mr. Miliband proposed a “solar rooftop revolution” to boost the UK’s solar energy capacity, aiming to triple energy generation from panels.
He plans to revamp planning rules to prioritize solar energy in new constructions.
PA Media contributed to this report.
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