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Renewable Energy Projects Face Surge in Human Rights Lawsuits

As Latin America and other regions pursue energy transitions, a notable increase in legal actions against renewable energy companies emerges, often linked to mineral extraction and project development impacts.

The Rise of Legal Challenges

Communities are increasingly turning to the courts to challenge renewable energy projects, alleging human rights violations and environmental damage. These lawsuits target various stages, from resource extraction to project operation.

Spotlight on Corporate Accountability

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre highlights corporate accountability through litigation in the shift to clean energy in its July 2025 report. This update focuses on justice in the energy transition, scrutinizing corporate practices.

Minerals Under Scrutiny

Legal actions are specifically targeting renewable companies involved in mineral extraction. The sourcing of materials needed for solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries often raises concerns about environmental and social impact.

For example, in Chile’s Atacama Desert, lithium mining, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, faces increased scrutiny over its impact on water resources and indigenous communities (Reuters, 2023).

Potential Setbacks

Some analysts suggest that the growing wave of litigation linked to renewable energy value chains could impede the progress of the clean energy transition. The legal battles add complexity and uncertainty to project timelines.

Global Call for Better Practices

There is a growing global call for improved corporate practices in the renewable energy sector. Litigation serves as a tool to push companies toward more responsible and sustainable operations, ensuring that the pursuit of clean energy does not come at the expense of human rights and environmental protection.