New programme trains 1,000 women in India in solar tech

It was launched by ReNew Power, UNEP, and SEWA. 

ReNew Power has rolled out “Project Surya,” a new programme that seeks to train 1,000 women salt pan workers as solar panel and solar pump technicians.

The programme was launched in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Self-employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA). 

“This program brings these inspiring women, who face real hardship in a traditional livelihood and earn a meager income, into the heart of the clean energy transition to better their lives and brings them into the fight against climate change,” Vaishali Sinha, Chief Sustainability Officer, ReNew, said. 

“This program, that is scalable, is sustainability from the ground up, rather than top-down, and we are proud to partner with UNEP and SEWA to support this.”

READ MORE: ReNew Power increases RE portfolio by 700MW

Prior to Project Surya, the women salt pan workers saved an average of $128 in around 10 months, much lower than the $130 monthly earnings of a solar panel technician. 

ReNew will be extending financial support and familiarisation through its renewable facility. Whilst SEWA will lead the implementation. 

The UNEP, meanwhile, will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the project.