We are targeting a gigawatt-scale wind and solar power portfolio. India is the first country we have decided to enter in solar power, as the country offers one of the best solar resources and sound government support for the development of the solar sector. Our ongoing projects will generate about 370 GWh annually and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 350,000 tonnes in total.
The 70-MW project in Bhadla, Rajasthan, is being executed by Tata Power Solar, which was selected following Fortum’s supplier pre-selection process. Both a desk review of Tata’s practises as well an audit of its ongoing construction site were carried out to see how Tata would comply with our requirements. After the work was awarded, both Tata Power Solar’s and our top management participated in person at the project’s kick-off meeting in India to emphasise the importance of safety and good working conditions for Fortum.
This project has set an example for good working and living conditions in India: proper employee facilities with kitchen and hygiene stations are provided to the construction employees as well as drinking water and shelters from the sun and heat during employee breaks. The site’s EHS procedures are very robust with good access control and training, visual materials and safety talks, as well as supervision and observations with safety walks. In June 2017, Fortum Safety Award was awarded to Bhadla solar construction site.