PowerShift is committed to ensuring that the expansion of solar power not only contributes to combating the climate crisis, but is also designed in a socially just and environmentally sustainable way. Our work focuses on the global supply chains of the solar industry, the consumption of raw materials and the social and environmental impacts along the value chain.
We shed light on critical issues such as the mining and processing of metallic raw materials that are necessary for the production of solar modules. In doing so, we demand stricter environmental and human rights standards and are committed to fair international trade.
Our political demands aim to shape the energy transition in such a way that it is not only climate-friendly, but also contributes to the promotion of human rights and social justice. Through research, lobbying and political campaigns, we support the creation of a legal framework that promotes renewable energies such as solar power under fair and sustainable conditions.
With our work, we show that the energy transition is only truly sustainable and fair if it takes environmental and social responsibility into account.
However, our work is not only theoretical in nature, we also pursue very practical approaches.
We support the campaign “New energy for Rojava“ to install solar panels in Rojava on public buildings (e.g. municipal facilities, hospitals, and schools) in order to provide Rojava with safe and clean electricity. With this, we can make a difference and contribute to the further development of a democratic and ecological alternative in the Middle East.
In Berlin, we want to take a step towards sustainable and socially fair solar energy with the help of public procurement.
On behalf of the district office Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, we are therefore currently developing a brochure on solar supply chains. In it, we investigate social and environmental risks in the production of solar modules based on silicon, which account for a share of about 95 percent.% All solar panels. This type of solar module is used in almost all solar systems installed on roofs or balconies. However, the extraction and further processing of silicon is associated with significant CO2 emissions. A large part of the solar modules and their precursors are also manufactured in Xinjiang, although China has been accused for years of exploiting Turkic peoples such as the Uyghurs through forced labour in the province.
Can these risks be reduced and are there approaches to responsible business conduct? The results of our study are presented in a brochure, which is expected to be published in mid-November 2024.
Here you will find further insights into our work around the topic of solar power:
