BluPine Energy completes utility-scale renewable energy technician training program in Gujarat – pv magazine India

July 4, 2024 Uma Gupta

BluPine Energy, a renewable energy services company founded in India by global infrastructure investor Actis, announced the completion of its skills development initiative aimed at upskilling local youth from Gujarat in the renewable energy sector on an industrial scale. Following an assessment conducted by an external agency, 140 students were awarded certificates under the National Skills Development Corporation of India’s Skill India programme.

State-of-the-art skill development centres set up by BluPine Energy under the Gujarat Social Investment Programme provided free training to students on how to install and operate utility-scale renewable energy projects. These centres equipped participants with the necessary skills in the utility-scale renewable energy sector. The centres were located in three villages (Porana, Bhadiya, Nenava) of Patan and Banas Kantha districts and two villages (Rampara, Kanakiya) of Gir Somnath district.

BluPine Energy stated that 40% of students who obtained higher qualifications in these centres are women.The training was fully sponsored by BluPine Energy and no fees were charged to the beneficiaries. This investment in social initiatives is voluntary and does not form part of BluPine’s statutory CSR investment requirement.

“India’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector needs to focus on diversity, inclusion and community empowerment as integral parts of its business impact. With over 12 GW of renewable energy capacity added last year and 200 GW more expected by 2030, the demand for skilled manpower in the country is set to increase multi-fold,” he said Sumit Barat, Director of Sustainability at BluPine Energy. “There is already a gap in the supply of skilled workers in the utility-scale renewable energy sector. By equipping students with the necessary skills, we are helping to bridge the demand and supply gap for skilled workers in this sector and improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate.”

The six-month training imparted key skills in the renewable energy sector, such as designing, installing, operating and maintaining solar power systems, including solar panels, inverters, batteries and related equipment. Participants also gained specialist knowledge of wind turbine mechanical and electrical systems, preparing for various roles such as technician, project manager, consultant and salesperson in Gujarat’s growing solar and wind power sector.

In addition to technical skills, the program also emphasized developing interpersonal and leadership skills to increase students’ attractiveness on the job market.

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Neerav Nanavaty, CEO of BluPine Energy, said: “This initiative is making a tangible difference to the lives of people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Skills Development Centres are proof of our belief that with the right training and support, anyone can become a valuable part of the renewable energy workforce.”

Most of the students trained under this program underwent a two-month paid internship at BluPine plant. They were exposed to industry requirements and best practices. PRSD, the implementing agency designated to upskill local rural youth, will provide employment to all students upskilled under this program. They will also monitor the professional progress of these students for a year and provide appropriate guidance to enhance their employability.