The UK electricity storage sector has united to issue a joint statement condemning the use of forced labour in the global lithium-ion battery supply chain. Coordinated by the Electricity Storage Network, the statement represents a collective stance from leading industry players, affirming a shared commitment to human rights and promoting transparent and sustainable supply chain practices.
The statement, which was coordinated by the Electricity Storage Network’s sustainability, safety and supply chain working group, underscores the sector’s readiness to support and collaborate with the UK government and international partners to help set and uphold high standards for ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Responding to allegations of human rights abuses in the production of lithium-ion batteries, the signatories have called for rigorous due diligence standards and alignment with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The sector wants to work in partnership with the UK government to ensure transparency throughout the industry.
The full list of signatories includes key operators and owners across the UK grid-scale electricity storage sector:
The Electricity Storage Network is an industry group and voice for grid-scale electricity storage in Great Britain. Managed by Regen, it brings together more than 100 organisations representing the majority of grid-scale battery storage assets and a wider pool of other technologies. Its sustainability, safety and supply chain working group focuses on creating a sustainable industry that can aid the transition to net zero, with the core principle of adhering to environmental, social and corporate governance criteria. It has facilitated discussions with experts on how to address the issues of forced labour and sustainability.
The ESN responded to the UK Battery Strategy consultation carried out under the previous government, calling for it to take a leading role in ensuring transparency in the international battery supply chain to enable the UK sector to follow sustainable practices. It remains an active member of the UK Battery Strategy taskforce.
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