131,35 MWp Solar Tracking Bi-Facial PV project – Tutly Uzbekistan
The problem:
The 131.35 MWp Solar Tracking Bi-Facial PV project in Tutly, Uzbekistan, aimed to address multiple issues tied to sustainable energy production and environmental management. The primary problem was the need to transition from conventional energy sources to renewable energy to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, the project needed to address potential environmental and social concerns associated with large-scale solar installations. These included managing the impacts on local ecosystems, ensuring effective waste management, and safeguarding the health and safety of workers and local communities during the construction and operational phases. The project's location, on 350 hectares of flat arid steppe used for livestock grazing, required careful planning to avoid adverse effects on the local environment and community livelihoods. With construction projected to be completed within a year and the plant's operational life expected to last at least 25 years, there was a need for comprehensive monitoring and management to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards throughout the project's lifecycle.
The solution:
InfoCapital Group LLC (ICG) was engaged with a comprehensive role in monitoring and evaluating the environmental and social aspects of the 131.35 MWp Solar Tracking Bi-Facial PV project. ICG's approach involved a thorough review and ongoing oversight of a broad spectrum of environmental and social management documentation. This included:
- Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS): Ensuring the project adhered to established guidelines for managing environmental and social impacts.
- Waste and Traffic Management: Evaluating plans for waste disposal and construction traffic to minimize environmental disruption.
- Health and Safety: Monitoring adherence to Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) policies and Occupational Health & Safety Management Plans (OHSMP).
- COVID-19 and Labor Management: Reviewing measures for COVID-19 management and labor practices to safeguard workers' health and rights.
- Biodiversity and Species Management: Assessing plans for biodiversity protection and species management to mitigate impacts on local flora and fauna.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring effective communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.
By reviewing these reports and plans, ICG played a crucial role in ensuring that the project met its environmental and social commitments, thereby supporting the successful construction and operation of the solar power plant while addressing potential impacts on the local environment and community.
Start date:
06/2019
Services:
Client:
EBRD, EIB, PROPARCO