Powering transparency: human rights in solar supply chains

Overview

SSE Renewables (SSER) is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy.

To inform their Human Rights Action Plan, which underpins a Just Transition, SSER asked twentyfifty to support them in conducting a deep dive strategic human rights risk assessment.

In parallel they asked twentyfifty to support their human rights due diligence in the procurement lifecycle and enable increased transparency in their solar supply chain

Our approach

We supported the client in conducting a human rights risk assessment, in line with the UNGPs, across all their jurisdictions for their five renewable technologies.

We took a collaborative approach to the assessment, enabling internal capacity building and ownership.

We also supported the team to improve due diligence in the solar supply chain by providing input on the tender process, including the development of a set of human rights ‘no-go’ criteria.

Working with an expert in-country consultant, we worked to improve the visibility of their supply chain in complex and high-risk environments.

Results

Our assessment enabled SSER to prioritise its most salient risks both in their own operations and across their supply chain.

It directly informed SSER’s Human Rights Action Plan, which sets out how the SSER Human Rights Strategy will be implemented.

The strengthened due diligence process in the solar supply chain has informed conversations with suppliers about the findings and helped to both educate and raise awareness of forced labour.