Building, developing, and operating large grid-scale solar and wind projects in India, ENGIE India showcases its unwavering commitment to advancing skill development and promoting sustainable energy solutions. It has trained over 600 enthusiastic professionals as Solar Module technicians, empowering them with specialized skills in the rapidly growing field of solar energy.
TheCSRUniverse had an exclusive interview with Amit Jain, CEO and Country Manager, wherein he shared that by equipping individuals with the expertise required in solar energy, we are not only meeting the increasing demand for renewable energy professionals but also contributing to India's sustainable development efforts.
He also speaks on how as a responsible energy player, the organization is committed to pioneering innovative renewable energy solutions to meet the growing energy demands while mitigating the impact on the environment. He shared that the ongoing research and development efforts focus on exploring emerging technologies such as energy storage and hybrid renewable energy systems.
Scroll down to read the full interview:
Q. Can you please tell us about ENGIE India’s collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for the training program?
A. ENGIE India's partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) demonstrates our commitment to advancing skill development and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Over the past two years, in collaboration with NSDC, we have trained over 600 aspiring professionals from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan as Solar Module technicians.
This collaboration has allowed us to develop a training program that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Our curriculum incorporates the latest technologies and hands-on learning experiences, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry. By equipping individuals with specialized skills in solar energy, we are addressing the growing demand for renewable energy professionals and contributing to India's sustainable development efforts.
Q. How did the participation of Mahindra Teqo and Sterling and Wilson contribute to the event and the overall cause of providing job opportunities to the students?
A. The recent job fair and felicitation ceremony in Bikaner saw the active participation of industry leaders such as Mahindra Teqo and Sterling and Wilson. Their involvement was instrumental in providing valuable insights and career opportunities for students. Mahindra Teqo's expertise in renewable energy solutions and Sterling and Wilson's reputation in construction and engineering complemented our efforts in nurturing talent in the solar energy sector.
Thanks to their support, several graduates secured internships and job offers, paving the way for a sustainable future driven by skilled professionals.
Q. How did the felicitation and job fair benefit the graduates in terms of connecting with potential employers and exploring career opportunities in the solar energy industry?
A. The felicitation ceremony and job fair organized by ENGIE India provided a valuable platform for graduates to connect with potential employers and explore career opportunities in the solar energy industry. By recognizing the achievements of students who completed their Solar PV Installer training, we celebrated their hard work and preparedness for employment.
One success story worth mentioning is a graduate from a rural community in Rajasthan who secured a full-time position as a Solar Technician with a leading solar energy firm, marking a significant milestone in his career journey.
The event also allowed graduates to showcase their skills, boosting their visibility and chances of employment in a competitive job market. Through initiatives like these, we aim to build a skilled workforce and promote sustainable growth and development.
Q. How many students have been trained by you in solar module technician skills in the last few years? Do you have any target number? What regions have the trained students come from?
A. Over the past two years, ENGIE India, in partnership with NSDC, has trained over 600 students as Solar Module technicians, focusing on regions like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Our emphasis is on providing quality training that equips individuals with the skills needed to excel in the solar energy sector, rather than just meeting numerical targets.
Our training initiatives have reached aspiring professionals from various backgrounds, promoting inclusive growth and utilizing local talent to drive India's clean energy agenda. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in renewable energy, we aim to scale up our efforts. To achieve this, we have long-term goals to expand training programs, establish more centers in underserved areas, and strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and industry stakeholders. These steps will help us reach a wider audience while upholding our commitment to quality.
Moreover, out of the trained students, 433 have been successfully placed, underlining the effectiveness of our training programs in facilitating sustainable career progression in the solar energy industry. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring that India's clean energy transition is supported by a skilled and empowered workforce.
Q. Can you elaborate on the job-ready skills that you provide to individuals? What have been the key challenges in your journey and how do you face them?
A. At ENGIE, our CSR initiatives are deeply rooted in community engagement. Since our inception, we've prioritized supporting young individuals, aligning with our belief that youth are essential for shaping the future. Our collaboration with NSDC reflects our commitment to empowering communities through skill development.
Through this collaboration, we've imparted key skills such as technical proficiency in solar module installation, understanding renewable energy principles, safety protocols adherence, and soft skills development for effective communication and teamwork.
While the journey wasn't without challenges, especially in identifying specific skill gaps and addressing them effectively due to cultural norms and limited training infrastructure in remote areas, ENGIE India, in partnership with NSDC, successfully raised awareness about the importance of learning and development.
We also embraced innovative training methodologies, including hands-on practical sessions, simulations, and online learning modules, to make learning engaging and accessible.
Q. What are some of the low-carbon energy solutions that your organization is involved in apart from the solar module training program?
A. ENGIE has always been at the forefront in driving the transition to a low-carbon future through a diverse portfolio of energy solutions. Some of the key initiatives and projects we are involved in includes:
1. Wind Power: ENGIE is a significant player in the wind energy sector, developing and operating onshore and offshore wind farms worldwide. These projects contribute to reducing carbon emissions by harnessing the power of wind to generate clean electricity.
2. Biomass Energy: ENGIE is exploring biomass energy solutions, which involve generating electricity or heat by burning organic materials such as agricultural residues, pellets which contributes to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating carbon emissions.
3. Energy Storage: We are further exploring investment opportunities in investing in energy storage technologies such as battery storage systems to enhance the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid.
Q. How does the company foster a culture of inclusivity and community partnership?
A. ENGIE believes in creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. The primary focus is to follow the D&I Model to prioritize equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, or orientation.We maintain open channels of communication that encourage employees to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback freely. This fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and mutual respect, where diverse perspectives are valued and considered in decision-making processes.
ENGIE practices engaging with its stakeholders on a continuous basis to understand their needs, priorities, and aspirations, and collaborate on initiatives that create positive social impact.
Overall, at ENGIE, inclusivity and community partnership are not just buzzwords but guiding principles that shape our corporate culture and drive our collective efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
Q. What more can be done, in terms of policy recommendations, to promote the training and employment of individuals and to encourage companies to invest in the development of a skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector?
A. Sustained social responsibility in the renewable energy sector requires proactive efforts to promote training and job opportunities. Policymakers can consider the following recommendations:
- Incentivize Skill Development: Offer tax incentives or subsidies to companies investing in renewable energy training programs. This approach, like in Germany, encourages a skilled workforce ready for the sector's demands.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaborations between government, education, and industry to develop training programs. For example, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP) creates innovative initiatives addressing industry needs.
- Expand Training Access: Increase access to training, especially in rural areas, through mobile units, online courses, and community centers. Initiatives training women as solar engineers show how localized training empowers diverse backgrounds.
- Monitor Impact: Implement monitoring systems to track training effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) conduct assessments to ensure programs meet industry needs and foster meaningful employment.
Q. Can you provide an overview of ENGIEIndia’s portfolio in terms of operational capacity and projects in development?
A. ENGIE India has a decent portfolio in the renewable energy sector, with a current operational capacity of over 1.1 GW across seven states. Additionally, we have ambitious projects in development totaling 1.25 GW, strategically located in key Indian states. Our portfolio comprises 22 projects (operational + under construction) that leverage a diverse mix of renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power.
Furthermore, our innovative approach to project development has led to several notable achievements, including the implementation of advanced grid integration technologies to enhance the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy generation.
Moreover, ENGIE India remains committed to pioneering innovative renewable energy solutions to meet India's growing energy demands while mitigating environmental impact. Our ongoing research and development efforts focus on exploring emerging technologies such as energy storage and hybrid renewable energy systems, positioning us at the forefront of the clean energy transition in India.
