The Minister of New and Renewable Energy, DR. Farooq Abdullah Informed Rajya Sabha today that according to a study, grid-connected renewable energy projects generate employment of about 15 persons per MW capacity addition. In addition, employment opportunity created in off-grid renewable energy applications is around 20 persons per MW equivalent aggregate capacity systems. These jobs are mainly in the process of installation, operation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems.
Ministry has taken the following steps to train local persons and create employment in rural areas:-
Course material for ITIs on Solar Lighting Systems, Solar thermal systems and small hydro has been developed and disseminated to ITIs through Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGET), Ministry of Labour and Employment. This material has been incorporated in two-year regular ITI courses of seven trades namely electrician, electronics, fitter, turner, sheet metal works, plumber and welder.
Instructors of seven Advanced Training Institutes of DGET, Ministry of Labour and Employment have been trained and necessary equipment provided to them so that they can further train the instructors in various ITIs.
The Ministry supports the State Nodal Agencies and NGOs in organizing short-term training courses on skill development of local people on installation, operation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy systems. 103 such training programmes have been organized during last two-years to train more than 3000 persons.