Solar panel factory protests tarnish China's clean-tech efforts

[phantom power]

Riot police broke up a four-day protest by several hundred villagers in Haining, Zhejiang province, who overturned cars and stormed the compound of a photovoltaic manufacturer that is accused of releasing toxins into a local river.

The demonstrators complained of police brutality and efforts to silence their voices in the latest in a rash of rallies and protests over environmental concerns in China.

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Although solar is seen as clean energy in terms of carbon emissions, the production of many components is energy intensive and polluting. Toxic discharges from the factory killed large numbers of fish and regulators have previously ordered the company to suspend operations, according to the domestic media.

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Locals are frustrated their complaints have not been heard. On Thursday, 500 people burst into the factory compound. They were dispersed, but continued their protests by camping outside.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/18/chinese-solar-panel-factory-protest