GROUPED OFF GRID RENEWABLE

ENERGY PROJECT IN INDIA

Swiss Carbon Value Ltd.

Project Title Grouped Off Grid Renewable Energy Project in India

Version 1.2

Date of Issue 16th September 2019

Project Location India

Project Proponent(s) Swiss Carbon Value Ltd., Renat Heuberger, r.garg@southpole.com

Signify, Robert Slooten, robbert.slooten@signify.com

Assessor Contact KBS Certification Services Pvt. Ltd.

Project Lifetime 01 April 2017 – 31 March 2037; 20-years lifetime

History of SD VISta N/A

Status

Other Certification Verified Carbon Standard - 1857

Programs

Expected Future For the monitoring period 01/04/2017 to 31/08/2019, first verification planned in
Assessment Schedule September 2019.
CONTENTS

1 SUMMARY OF SDG CONTRIBUTIONS .................................................................. 3

2 PROJECT DESIGN ................................................................................................. 4

2.1 Project Objectives, Context and Long-term Viability ................................................... 4
2.2 Stakeholder Engagement .............................................................................................. 19
2.3 Project Management ..................................................................................................... 24

3 BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE AND PROSPERITY ........................................................... 27

3.1 Condition of Stakeholders at Project Start ................................................................... 27
3.2 Expected Impacts on Stakeholders .............................................................................. 27
3.3 Stakeholder Monitoring Plan ........................................................................................ 28
3.4 Net Positive Stakeholder Well-being Impacts .............................................................. 29

4 BENEFITS FOR THE PLANET.................................................................................. 32

4.1 Condition of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services at Project Start .................... 32
4.2 Expected Impacts on Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services ............................... 32
4.3 Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services Monitoring Plan ......................................... 32
4.4 Net Positive Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services Impacts ................................. 32

APPENDIX 1................................................................................................................... 33

APPENDIX 2................................................................................................................... 34
 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

1 SUMMARY OF SDG CONTRIBUTIONS

Table 1: Summary of Project SDG Contributions
Row number

Claim, Asset
SDG Target

or Label
Estimated Project Contribution by Net Impact on Section
the End of Project Lifetime SDG Indicator SDG Indicator Reference

1) The project will supply approximately 40 7.1 7.1.1 Proportion of population Increase Claim
MWh of clean electricity to households in with access to electricity
Section 3.3
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and replace
fossil fuel-based Diesel Generators.

2) The project will create approximately 57 8.5 Number of jobs created Create job Claim
jobs for permanent position and boost the during the project activity opportunities to
Section 3.3
local economy. decrease
unemployment

3) By replacing fossil fuel-based power 13 Tonnes of greenhouse gas Decrease carbon Section 5 SD VISta-
generation devices with clean emissions avoided or emissions labeled VCU
decentralized energy, the project will removed
generate approximately 383,658 tCO2e of
emission reductions

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

2 PROJECT DESIGN
2.1 Project Objectives, Context and Long-term Viability

Summary of Project Sustainable Development Objective(s)

The project participants designs, builds and operates decentralised off-grid renewable energy
power plants in unelectrified or partially electrified and predominantly rural areas in India. The
project activity objective to address the key issues related to energy access in rural India by
providing 24 hours affordable power. The project employs an efficient decentralized hybrid mini-
grid system which is grid-compatible and 100% "theft proof" that meets global standards and
can be rolled out rapidly and cost effectively to help meet national electrification goals. This
project activity is being implemented mainly in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, with a
possibility of replication in other neighbouring states in India. The proposed project activity
develops renewable energy power plants using hybrid sources of Solar PV – Biomass – Battery
technologies upto a cumulative installed capacity of 15 mega-Watts (MW). The proposed project
will be developed as a grouped project activity with an installed capacity of 19-50kW per unit
(Solar/Biomass) and a generation capacity of approx. 40MWh per site per year. Project activity
can supply excess power to national grid. The main users of this generated power are
Households, shops, small businesses and small factories.

Generating power from off grid system is a clean technology as it avoids burning of fossil fuels
and thereby mitigates GHG emission during the process. In the absence of project activity, the
baseline situation for the source of electricity in the region included diesel generators and fossil
fuel fired grid with availability below 30%. Hence, with the proposed project activity, an
estimated amount of GHG emission reduction 38,366 tCO2e/year is expected. The project
owners will implement 300 plants by end of 2021 and the overall emission reduction from
project will be 383,658 tCO2e in 10 years. Upcoming will be added in the same project activity
after fulfilling the applicability criteria of project activity and methodology AMS I.F. version 3.

The project addresses the three pillars of sustainable development and the SDGs and will
have the following objectives:

Social Well Being - SDG 8

• The project serves as skill enhancement and technology transfer opportunity for the
nearby communities as it employs local labour and trains them in project operation and
maintenance. The Project Proponent is authorized by National Institute of Solar Energy
(NISE) to train and certify solar technicians to promote clean tech jobs.
Economic Well Being - SDG 8

• The project aims to increase the disposable income of the villagers as they will reduce
their expenditure on diesel fuel.
• As the employment opportunities in the region is low, the project aims to recruit villagers

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

and community member for operating the daily project activities and thereby provide
jobs
• The project aims to development of small-time businesses such as, machine shops,
rewinding works, shops and stores with supply of 24hr sustainable electricity.

Environmental Well Being – SDG 7 & SDG 13

• The power generation due to the hybrid solar-rice husk off grid plants result in no
emission i.e GHG and particulate matter both.
The project participant has implemented 63 plants and is planning to commission 300 plants by end of
2021. All other plants in future will be included as part of this grouped projects and will be included in
this programme as a project activity. Details of plant already commissioned are provided in section
2.1.7.

Description of the Project Activity

The project proponents address the key issues related to energy access in rural India by
providing 24 hours affordable power. The project employs an efficient decentralized hybrid mini-
grid system which is grid-compatible and 100% "theft proof" that meets global standards and
can be rolled out rapidly and cost effectively to help meet national electrification goals.

The project is a grouped off grid renewable energy project and includes electricity generation
through solar PV – Biomass – Battery hybrid power plant technologies. The solar PV uses thin
film or multi crystalline panels while the locally sourced biomass is used in a down draft gasifier
system to provide base load requirements at any time of the day irrespective of whether it is
morning or evening, or the Sun is shining or not. Each of these hybrid power plants are capable
of producing grid compatible 24x7 power throughout the year.

The project activity addresses the sustainable development objectives as mentioned in section
2.1.1 by:

Social Well Being

• The project will conduct several skill enhancement and technology transfer trainings
for all its employees especially those hired from local villages and help them develop
their skills.

Economic Well Being

• Villagers will be able to save more by purchasing clean electricity than buying diesel
fuel
• The project will provide job opportunities to villagers and community members as
technical and administrative staffs at the project sites.
Environmental Well Being

• The project will supply clean electricity to the local residents and communities and will
reduce the dependence on unavailable fossil fuel-based electricity

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Implementation Schedule

Date Milestone(s) in the Project’s Development and Implementation

Apr-17 Commissioning of Chanpatia plant (HINBR-01-01) of capacity 62 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Gurwaliya plant (HINUP-01-05) of capacity 54 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Jataha plant (HINUP-01-01) of capacity 51 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Kathkuiyan plant (HINUP-01-02) of capacity 53.85 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Kubersthan plant (HINUP-01-03) of capacity 53.85 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Mansachapar plant (HINUP-01-04) of capacity 21.85 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Piprakothi plant (HINBR-01-05) of capacity 52 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Sariswa plant (HINBR-01-02) of capacity 30 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Tamkuhiraj plant (HINUP-01-07) of capacity 21.85 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Bada Atariya plant (100001) of capacity 23.6 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Chota Atariya plant (100002) of capacity 18.9 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Kasira plant (100003) of capacity 32.7 kw

Apr-17 Commissioning of Kulabira plant (100004) of capacity 32.7 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Khirkiyan plant (HINUP-01-06) of capacity 30 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Gunia plant (300001) of capacity 23.6 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Jargatoli plant (300002) of capacity 23.6 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Pandariya plant (300005) of capacity 18.9 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Patia plant (300004) of capacity 23.6 kw

Feb-18 Commissioning of Tigra plant (300003) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jun-18 Commissioning of Basua plant (300021) of capacity 23.6 kw

Jun-18 Commissioning of Kaliga plant (300023) of capacity 23.6 kw

Jun-18 Commissioning of Rakamsera plant (300022) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jun-18 Commissioning of Samsera plant (300024) of capacity 18.9 kw

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Date Milestone(s) in the Project’s Development and Implementation

Oct-18 Commissioning of Bhandariya plant (300034) of capacity 18.9 kw

Oct-18 Commissioning of Kutma plant (300032) of capacity 23.6 kw

Oct-18 Commissioning of Murkunda plant (300031) of capacity 28.2 kw

Oct-18 Commissioning of Phori plant (300033) of capacity 23.6 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Baniya Pur plant (HINBR-02-04) of capacity 35.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Dudahi plant (HINUP-01-10) of capacity 35.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Fazil Nagar plant (HINUP-01-11) of capacity 47 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Jalalpur plant (HINBR-02-01) of capacity 35.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Jokwa Bazaar plant (HINUP-01-09) of capacity 44.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Kotawa Bazaar plant (HINBR-01-04) of capacity 34.5 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Parsagargh plant (HINBR-02-03) of capacity 35.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Pipra Bazaar plant (HINBR-01-03) of capacity 34 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Puchheri Bazaar plant (HINBR-02-02) of capacity 35.25 kw

Dec-18 Commissioning of Turkpatti plant (HINUP-01-08) of capacity 35.25 kw

Feb-19 Commissioning of Barwatoli plant (300042) of capacity 23.6 kw

Feb-19 Commissioning of Rekma plant (300043) of capacity 23.6 kw

Feb-19 Commissioning of Taraguttu plant (300044) of capacity 18.9 kw

Feb-19 Commissioning of Tirra plant (300041) of capacity 18.9 kw

Mar-19 Commissioning of Sapaha plant (HINUP-02-01) of capacity 31.7 kw

Mar-19 Commissioning of Shivpur plant (HINUP-02-03) of capacity 31.7 kw

Apr-19 Commissioning of Fazilnagar02 plant (HINUP-02-06) of capacity 35.25 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Turkauliya plant (HINBR-01-06) of capacity 35.25 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Almanda plant (300054) of capacity 23.6 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Paharpranali plant (300053) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Sawariya plant (300051) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Semra-Kodeikhera plant (300055) of capacity 18.9 kw

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Date Milestone(s) in the Project’s Development and Implementation

Jun-19 Commissioning of Shivrajpur plant (300052) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jun-19 Commissioning of Syamal-Asro plant (300056) of capacity 18.9 kw

Jul-19 Commissioning of Jaura Bazaar plant (HINUP-02-05) of capacity 35.25 kw

Jul-19 Commissioning of Naurangia plant (HINUP-01-12) of capacity 31.7 kw

Jul-19 Commissioning of Siswa Nahar plant (HINUP-02-12) of capacity 31.7 kw

Jul-19 Commissioning of Tarkulwa plant (HINUP-02-07) of capacity 31.7 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Baghauchghat plant (HINUP-02-08) of capacity 31.7 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Basantpur plant (HINBR-02-06) of capacity 35.25 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Bhagwanpur plant (HINBR-02-05) of capacity 35.25 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Ishuapur plant (HINBR-02-07) of capacity 35.25 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Salemgarh plant (HINUP-02-10) of capacity 31.7 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Samaur plant (HINUP-02-04) of capacity 35.25 kw

Aug-19 Commissioning of Tarya Sujan plant (HINUP-02-11) of capacity 31.7 kw

Project Proponent

Organization Swiss Carbon Value Ltd

Name

Role in the Project Project Participant

Contact Person Renat Heuberger

Title CEO

Address Technoparkstr 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland

Telephone +41-43 501 35 50

Email r.garg@southpole.com

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Organization Signify
Name

Role in the Project Project Participant

Contact Person Robbert Slooten

Title Program Manager Sustainability

Address High Tech Campus 48-0A, 5656AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Telephone +31 6 54796247

Email robbert.slooten@signify.com

Other Entities Involved in the Project

N/A

Project Type

The project is a grouped renewable energy type project which generates renewable electricity
for captive use through mini grids. As per the Appendix 1 of SD Vista Standard the criteria for
a grouped project is:

Criteria Number Criteria Justification

GP1.1 1. Adopt and implement the The project will undergo a

project activities in the same
manner as specified in the
project description.
2. Where appropriate, meet
the applicability conditions
of the SD VISta asset
methodology applied to a
project.
3) Are subject to the same
scenarios at project start
rigorous verification and
validation by a third party
VVB which will ensure that
the project is implemented in
the same manner as
described in the project
description
The project activity is not
claiming any SD-VISta asset,
hence this criteria is not
applicable.
The project activity not
indicate any direct negative

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1
with respect to stakeholders’
well-being as determined for
initial project instance(s)
4) Are subject to the same
scenarios at project start
with respect to natural
capital and ecosystem
services as determined for
initial project instance(s)
5) Are subject to the same
processes for stakeholder
engagement described in
the project description.
6) Are subject to the same
processes for respect for
rights to lands, territories
and resources – including
free, prior and informed
consent
7) Have similar monitoring
elements to those set out in
the project description.
GP 1.2 Be included in the
monitoring report with
sufficient technical,
financial, geographic and
other relevant information to
demonstrate compliance
with the applicable set of
eligibility criteria and enable
sampling by the VVB.
Comply with at least one
complete set of eligibility
criteria for the inclusion of
new project activity
instances. Partial
compliance with multiple
sets of eligibility criteria is
insufficient.
or positive impacts of project
activities on stakeholders’
well-being.
The project activity not
indicate any direct negative
or positive impacts of project
activities for natural capital
and ecosystem services.
The project activity engage
stakeholders as describe in
section 2.2.1 below.
Project proponents shall
have the necessary
approvals from appropriate
authorities to claim
ownership of the project’s
benefits as represented in
SD VISta project
documentation. Or
implement project on own
land.
The project activity should
have monitoring elements as
describe in section 2.1.2.
The monitoring report will
include sufficient technical,
financial, geographic and
other relevant information to
demonstrate compliance
with the applicable set of
eligibility criteria and will be
verified and validated by a
VVB.
The project will comply with
the following eligibility
criteria as mentioned in the
PDD:
1. Each project activity
should be based of
technology solar, biomass or
hybrid system
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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

2. Each project activity

should not be more than 1
MW capacity.

3. Each project activity

should not be supplying
power to national grid

4. Each project activity

should impact on enhanced
technology transfer from
fossil fuel based grid or DG
set to renewable power

5. Each project activity

should enhance the job
opportunity for local
community

Be validated at the time of The project will be validated

verification against the at the time of verification by
applicable set of eligibility a third party VVB.
criteria.

Have evidence of project Each individual project under

ownership, in respect of the Grouped project will have
each project activity documented evidence on
instance, held by the project ownership, start and
proponent from the commissioning dates and
respective start date of each the project activities and its
project activity instance (i.e., sustainable development
the date upon which the benefits.
project activity instance
implemented activities that
lead to the generation of
sustainable development
benefits).

Have a start date that is the Each project will have a

same as or later than the project start date which will
grouped project start date. either be same or later than
the start date of the grouped
project.

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Be eligible for accounting for The project will ensure that it

project benefits to be used is eligible for accounting for
as SD VISta assets, where project benefits to be used
applicable, from the start as SD VISta assets, where
date of the instance until the applicable, from the start
end of a project’s crediting date of the instance until the
period (only). Note that were end of a project’s crediting
a new project activity period (only).
instance starts in a previous
verification period, no asset
may be issued for benefits
created during a previous
verification period unless it
is of a different benefit type
from the SD VISta asset that
has already been issued
from that period.

GP1.3 A grouped project shall be The project has an

described in a single project
description, which shall
include a description of the
central monitoring and
management system.
established central
monitoring and management
system which has also been
provided in the project
design document VCS 1857.

Project Location
The project is located in different states in India. The current installed plant location, their GPS
coordinates and details are:

Table 1: Project site details

Capa Capac
Date of city ity
Plant Uniqu Technolog
Latitude Longitude Commissio State (Solar (Biom
Name e Id y
ning in ass in
kWp) kW)
23˚02’51. 84˚44’43. 3000 Jharkh
Almanda Jun-19 Solar 23.6
29” 91” 54 and

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Capa Capac
Date of city ity
Plant Uniqu Technolog
Latitude Longitude Commissio State (Solar (Biom
Name e Id y
ning in ass in
kWp) kW)
Bada 23°07' 54. 84°38' 01. 1000 Jharkh
Apr-17 Solar 23.6
Atariya 56" 06" 01 and
HINU
Baghauch 26.58282 84.00972
Aug-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
ghat 8°N 9°E
08
HINB
Baniya 25.9900°
84.6872° Dec-18 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
Pur N
E 04
23˚09’13. 84˚36’41. 3000 Jharkh
Barwatoli Feb-19 Solar 23.6
0” 2” 42 and
HINB
26.16655 84.67006
Basantpur Aug-19 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
°N °E
06
23°08' 24. 84°34' 09. 3000 Jharkh
Basua Jun-18 Solar 23.6
68" 49" 21 and
HINB
Bhagwan 26.09750 84.65717
Aug-19 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
pur 14°N 13°E
05
Bhandariy 23°06' 84°38'24. 3000 Jharkh
Oct-18 Solar 18.9
a 36.59" 22" 34 and
HINB
26.9504° Solar+Bio
Chanpatia 84.5439° Apr-17 R-01- Bihar 40 32
N mass
E 01
Chota 23°08' 06. 84°38' 06. 1000 Jharkh
Apr-17 Solar 18.9
Atariya 61" 94" 02 and
HINU
26.7977°
Dudahi 84.1503° Dec-18 P-01- UP Solar 35.25
N
E 10
26.6844° HINU
Fazil N 84.04845 Dec-18 P-01- UP Solar 47
Nagar °E 11
26.6844° HINU
Fazilnagar N 84.04845 Apr-19 P-02- UP Solar 35.25
02 °E 06
23°10' 17. 84°35' 15. 3000 Jharkh
Gunia Feb-18 Solar 23.6
84" 36" 01 and
HINU
26.7514° Solar+Bio
Gurwaliya 84.1005° Apr-17 P-01- UP 22 32
N mass
E 05
HINB
26.02863 84.79859
Ishuapur Aug-19 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
8°N 4°E
07
HINB
25.9114°
Jalalpur 84.6910° Dec-18 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
N
E 01

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Capa Capac
Date of city ity
Plant Uniqu Technolog
Latitude Longitude Commissio State (Solar (Biom
Name e Id y
ning in ass in
kWp) kW)
23°10' 17. 84°35' 15. 3000 Jharkh
Jargatoli Feb-18 Solar 23.6
84" 36" 02 and
HINU
27.0644° Solar+Bio
Jataha 83.9918° Apr-17 P-01- UP 19 32
N mass
E 01
HINU
Jaura 26.64577 83.98638
Jul-19 P-02- UP Solar 35.25
Bazaar 8°N 7°E
05
HINU
Jokwa 26.6918°
84.0131° Dec-18 P-01- UP Solar 44.25
Bazaar N
E 09
23°01' 36. 84°44' 11. 3000 Jharkh
Kaliga Jun-18 Solar 23.6
82" 92" 23 and
23°02' 58. 84°41' 05. 1000 Jharkh
Kasira Apr-17 Solar 32.7
59" 0"8 03 and
HINU
Kathkuiya 26.8589° Solar+Bio
84.0538° Apr-17 P-01- UP 21.85 32
n N mass
E 02
HINU
26.9232°
Khirkiyan 84.0170° Feb-18 P-01- UP Solar 30
N
E 06
HINB
Kotawa 26.5178°
84.8371° Dec-18 R-01- Bihar Solar 34.5
Bazaar N
E 04
HINU
Kuberstha 26.80831 84.04025 Solar+Bio
Apr-17 P-01- UP 21.85 32
n 3°N 6°E mass
03
23°03' 54. 84°40' 58. 1000 Jharkh
Kulabira Apr-17 Solar 32.7
85" 75" 04 and
22°59' 26. 84°42' 19. 3000 Jharkh
Kutma Oct-18 Solar 23.6
19" 37" 32 and
HINU
Mansacha 26.9606°
83.9927° Apr-17 P-01- UP Solar 21.85
par N
E 04
22°59' 10. 84°40' 34. 3000 Jharkh
Murkunda Oct-18 Solar 28.2
16" 74" 31 and
HINU
27.03955 83.89596
Naurangia Jul-19 P-01- UP Solar 31.7
°N 1°E
12
Paharpran 23˚03’46. 84˚30’09. 3000 Jharkh
Jun-19 Solar 18.9
ali 47” 76” 53 and
23°04' 12. 84°39' 30. 3000 Jharkh
Pandariya Feb-18 Solar 18.9
79" 83" 05 and
HINB
Parsagarg 26.0056°
84.5658° Dec-18 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
h N
E 03

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 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

Capa Capac
Date of city ity
Plant Uniqu Technolog
Latitude Longitude Commissio State (Solar (Biom
Name e Id y
ning in ass in
kWp) kW)
23°03' 44. 84°42' 35. 3000 Jharkh
Patia Feb-18 Solar 23.6
56" 21" 04 and
23°06' 84°35' 43. 3000 Jharkh
Phori Oct-18 Solar 23.6
41.25" 37" 33 and
HINB
Pipra 26.4897° Solar+Bio
84.9768° Dec-18 R-01- Bihar 34
Bazaar N mass
E 03
HINB
26.55731 84.93270 Solar+Bio
Piprakothi Apr-17 R-01- Bihar 20 32
9°N 5°E mass
05
HINB
Puchheri 25.9509°
84.6836° Dec-18 R-02- Bihar Solar 35.25
Bazaar N
E 02
Rakamser 23°00' 59. 84°41' 13. 3000 Jharkh
Jun-18 Solar 18.9
a 78" 42" 22 and
22˚59’28. 84˚43’17. 3000 Jharkh
Rekma Feb-19 Solar 23.6
4” 6” 43 and
HINU
Salemgar 26.62231 84.25612
Aug-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
h 2°N 4°E
10
HINU
26.63611 84.13069
Samaur Aug-19 P-02- UP Solar 35.25
9°N 7°E
04
23°01' 36. 84°42' 10. 3000 Jharkh
Samsera Jun-18 Solar 18.9
82" 33" 24 and
HINU
26.75396 83.95990
Sapaha Mar-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
6°N 8 °E
01
HINB
26.8769° Solar+Bio
Sariswa 84.6327° Apr-17 R-01- Bihar 30
N mass
E 02
23˚09’14. 84˚33’02. 3000 Jharkh
Sawariya Jun-19 Solar 18.9
58” 65” 51 and
Semra-
23˚04’39. 84˚44’40. Jharkh
Kodeikher Jun-19 3000 Solar 18.9
36” 91” and
a 55
26.80492 HINU
Shivpur 3°N 83.97365 Mar-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
1°E 03
23˚11’51. 84˚30’34. 3000 Jharkh
Shivrajpur Jun-19 Solar 18.9
05” 16” 52 and
HINU
Siswa 26.64321 84.33656
Jul-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
Nahar 63°N 23°E
12
Syamal- 23˚05’29. 84˚42’55. 3000 Jharkh
Jun-19 Solar 18.9
Asro 97” 42” 56 and

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Capa Capac
Date of city ity
Plant Uniqu Technolog
Latitude Longitude Commissio State (Solar (Biom
Name e Id y
ning in ass in
kWp) kW)
HINU
Tamkuhir 26.6924° Solar+Bio 32
84.1801° Apr-17 P-01- UP 21.85
aj N mass KW
E 07
23˚11’07. 84˚35’54. 3000 Jharkh
Taraguttu Feb-19 Solar 18.9
0” 4” 44 and
HINU
26.62115 83.89752
Tarkulwa Jul-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
7°N 4°E
07
HINU
Tarya 26.65667 84.27573
Aug-19 P-02- UP Solar 31.7
Sujan 3°N 7°E
11
23°07' 43. 84°36' 59. 3000 Jharkh
Tigra Feb-18 Solar 18.9
69" 33" 03 and
22˚58’52. 84˚41’33. 3000 Jharkh
Tirra Feb-19 Solar 18.9
4” 8” 41 and
HINB
26.60987 84.82260
Turkauliya Jun-19 R-01- Bihar Solar 35.25
8°N 1°E
06
HINU
26.7612°
Turkpatti 84.0620° Dec-18 P-01- UP Solar 35.25
N
E 08

Baseline Scenario

The socio-economic situation prior to the project start was:

Social Well Being

• Unemployment rate in India increasing day by day, in April 2019 it was 7.9%1 and in
Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand it was 6.4%, 7.2 and 7.7%
respectively in FY 2017-182. Prior to the start of the project, majority of the population
were either employed in agriculture sector or were running small shops.
• Prior to the project start the people in the communities depended on fossil fuel-based
grid electricity availability which was less than 30% (5-6 hours per day3) or use of DG
sets.

Economic Well Being

1https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/economy/india-s-unemployment-rate-doubled-in-two-years-
soe-in-figures-64953
2 https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/jobs/unemployment-rate-states-nsso-report-unemployment-
rate-worse-in-11-states-compared-to-national-average-report/story/336646.html. .
3 Based on baseline survey

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• Villagers had to spend a INR 434 per month per person on purchasing diesel for DG
sets

Environmental Well Being

• The electricity consumed from the DG sets or grid resulted in significant carbon
emissions released to the atmosphere resulting in deterioration of the environment.

Causal Chain(s)

Threats to the Project

Some of the threats identified associated with the project activity are:

• Availability of biomass: Even though biomass constitutes less than 3% of the electricity
generation in the total electricity produced by the off-grid plant, the availability of
biomass can pose as a limited threat to project operation and could impact the total
electricity generation. To mitigate biomass availability risk project owner has
implemented Biomass projects in that region where biomass can be easily available.

• Solar Panel Maintenance: There can be many factors such as extreme weather
conditions (hail, snow, storm, severe cold, overcast skies etc.) and external stress
which can result in ineffective working and physical damage of the solar panels,
thereby leading to negative impact of project operation. Project owner is doing regular
maintenance and checkup of the plant to mitigate the external factor issue which can
impact plant operation.

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• Consent from the village community: Since the project will be situated in remote areas
in villages, consent of villagers is absolutely important for the project to work. Hence,
any conflict with the communities in any regard can pose as a threat to project
longevity. Project owner time to time taking feedback from village head and informed
them about the grievance redress procedure.

Benefit Permanence

The lifetime of each solar panel and therefore the project is 25 years, after which the project
participant will replace with new solar panels. The project participant will also oversee the
financing requirements for functioning of the project during and after its lifetime and will update
and impart regular knowledge and training to its employees to maintain continuity of the
benefits from the project.

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2.2 Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Identification

Stakeholders were identified on the basis of two factor i.e. their level of involvement in the
project activity either directly or indirectly. Direct stakeholders are those stakeholders who is
purchasing power from project owner and directly impacted by project activity. Indirect
stakeholders are those stakeholders who is not purchasing power from project owner but
some how impacted by project activity.

• Stakeholders who have a direct involvement with the project: These were people from
Husk Power who are developing the project at the site and the villagers and
community members (like farmers, business owners, shop owners etc.) who will be
purchasing the power from the off-grid plant at that site and directly impacted by
project activity.

• Stakeholders who have an indirect involvement with the project: These were
stakeholders who were not directly related to purchasing or supplying the power, but
were indirectly involved for special certifications or objectives such as any consultants
or third-party agencies like Swiss Carbon Value Ltd.

Stakeholder Description
Stakeholder groups (Direct/Indirect
affected by project activity)
Residents (Direct)
Small business/shop owners (Direct)
Site Engineers from Husk Power
System Pvt Ltd. (Appointed from local
community) (Direct)
Senior officials from Husk Power
System Pvt Ltd (Indirect)
Representatives from Swiss Carbon
Value (Indirect)
Relevance to the project
Part of the local community near the project site
who will buy the electricity from the off-grid
electricity project
Part of the local community near the project site
who will buy the electricity from the off-grid
electricity project
Project participant
Project participant
Project participant

Stakeholder Consultation

The stakeholder consultation process was done as follows:

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1. A circular was issued one week prior to the actual meeting to invite people for the
stakeholder consultation

2. The interactive meeting with the stake holders was conducted on 28th November 2018 at
Husk Power Plant in Village: Kubersthan, District: Kushinagar State: Uttar Pradesh.

3. The interactive meeting had the following structure:

- Introduction about project activity and agenda of stakeholder consultation- By Mr Nikhil

Murarka (Head of Engineering, Husk Power System)

- About carbon programme – By Mr Rohit Garg (Project Manager, Swiss Carbon Value Ltd.)

- Interactive session receiving comments

- Cost, Risk and benefits of projects discussed

As per the stakeholder feedback forms, all feedback received were positive and the inputs did not the
overall project design.
The interactive session provided for clarification of issues related to operation of project activity in
that region. The summary outcome of the interactive meeting is tabulated below: The names of the
persons initiating the discussion is given in bracket.

Sr. Issue Discussed Outcome of the discussion

No.
Will there be employment opportunities? (Sanjay The locality has already seen
1. Kumar – Village Kubersthan, Kushinagar) lot of employment
generation in the last
decade. Husk Power
explained that local people
will be trained for O&M and
security.

Will ecology like water, sand be affected? (Sidharth In the past there has not
2. Kushwaha – Village Jataha bazar, Kushinagar) been any water level
depletion or soil erosion due
to solar or biomass power
plant.

What will be cost of per unit electricity? (Anup

3. Srivastava – village Kubersthan, Kushinagar) Cost of electricity will
depend on connected load.
Husk power has tariff

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structure at different
connected load.
Will house holds nearby be affected (Bittu- village
4. Jataha, Kushinagar) No negative impact on near
by household.

List of participants:

Stakeholder feedback forms

Continued Consultation and Adaptive Management

In order to have a continuing communication and consultation between the project

proponents and stakeholder groups, the project proponents take monthly feedback and
inputs from stakeholders and adapt management accordingly.

Each plant site has a dedicated site manager and care taker which oversees the day to day
operations at the site. The site manager is recruited from the local community and can be
easily approached by all villagers either in person or through phone. In case of any issue

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faced by any community member, they can inform or discuss with the site manager which
takes note of the issue and informs the senior management to act on it.

Anti-Discrimination

The project does not and will not discriminate against individuals and employment of staffs is
not based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or on any other basis. The project is
aligned to India’s strategy for elimination of all discrimination. India ratified the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on 03/12/19684.

Worker Training

The project imparts frequent trainings to all its employees regarding safety and O&M at the
plant. The trainings increase the technological capacity and knowledge enhancement of the
workers and build skills.

The community members employed by the company receives continuous learning and training
sessions which is an ongoing process on maintenance and safety of handling equipment. These
trainings help the employees recruited from communities to build new skills and develop their
capacity and knowledge.

Equal Work Opportunities

The Project has equal opportunity for women, men or any vulnerable/ marginalized
community to contribute both in volunteer and working positions. The project proponent has a
stipulated HR policy that takes into account participation by all forms of demographic.
Further, the projects designed are implemented for equal participation by any gender,
nationality, ethnicity, religion and race.

Workers’ Rights

The proponent assures that there will be no bonded or forced labor during construction and
during the operation of the project activity. Uniform policy will be implemented for all employees.
The project proponent confirms that all the fundamental rights of the employees will be
respected. The rights of industrial trade unions and their members have been protected by law
in India since 1926 by The Trade Unions Act, 1926. Working agreements with all individual
workers are documented and implemented.

The host country is also a member of the ILO convention and has ratified six of the eight core
ILO conventions5

4 http://nhrc.nic.in/documents/india_ratification_status.pdf
5 http://www.mfcindia.org/main/bgpapers/bgpapers2013/am/bgpap2013c.pdf

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In addition, project participant have their own dedicated HR and employee safety and well-being
policy which informs them of their rights and lays down the ethics and professional code of
conduct.

Occupational Safety Assessment

The project is in compliance with all relevant local and national laws. The Project does not
threaten human health or environment and does not adversely affect the health of the
workers and the community.

The project developer has taken relevant mitigation measures like equipping the necessary
instruments such as safety shoes, gloves, helmets, glasses etc. to protect the health and
safety of the employees as per National Policy on Safety, Health and Environment at Work
Place of India. Also, the project proponent also its own dedicated safety policy which adheres
to national standards.

The project proponent also ensures that all workers receive regular and constant training on
electrical and material safety.

Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure

In order to document the project’s feedback and grievance redress procedure the project has
a dedicated email id and a toll-free number where any form of grievances can be reported.
The stakeholders can also provide their feedback and improvements in-person at the project
site.

The head of engineering will take necessary action on the issue raised by the stakeholder
within 24 hours in consultation with the site engineer.
Particular Method Chosen (include all Justification
known details e.g location of
book, phone, number, identity od
mediator

Continuous Input / Grievance
Expression Process Book
The input grievance book is kept
by Mr. Nikhil Murarka (Head of
Engineering, Husk Power System
at 14-A Patliputra Colony Patna
800013, Bihar India
The input and grievance
expression could be reflected
via telephone, email or writing
on grievance book. All the
contact information would be
announced to stakeholders.

Telephone Access Contact Person: Nikhil Murarka Head of Engineering

Toll Free No: 1800 3134 522

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Internet/email access Contact Person: Nikhil Murarka Head of Engineering

Email:
info@huskpowersystems.com

Feedback and Grievance Redress Procedure Accessibility

The contact details for the grievance redressal procedure is announced to all stakeholders
during the stakeholder consultation and information is available at each project site.

Stakeholder Access to Project Documentation

The copies of project design documentation are accessible to all stakeholders at project
proponent’s head office and also at Kubersthan and Chanpatia site. On the request of
stakeholders, the project document can be arranged and provided by project participant.

Information to Stakeholders on Assessment Process

Stakeholders will be informed of SD Vista process including validation and site visit during the
stakeholder consultation workshop in August or September 2019.

2.3 Project Management

Avoidance of Corruption

The proponent confirms that there is no corruption involved in the project activity. The host
country has strict laws and robust arrangements to prevent such activities.

The proponent has robust and stringent internal policies that has laid provisions to
prevent/identify any form of corruption.

Statutory and Customary Rights

The project has all the legal, customary rights on the land and does not require any change to
land tenure arrangements because the project activities is implemented on private lands.
Therefore, the project proponent did not require any clearances from nodal agencies. The
project does not require any change to land tenure arrangements and holds the land title for
the all the land covered in the project activity.

Recognition of Property Rights

The project proponent confirms that all property rights are recognized, respected and
supported.

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Free, Prior and Informed Consent

The project does not require any change to property/land tenure arrangements and the
project participants holds the land title for all the land covered in the project activity. All such
arrangements are agreed with free, prior and informed consent of the relevant stakeholders.

Restitution and/or Compensation for Affected Resources

There are no negative effects on the land or resources due to the project and hence
allocation of restitution or compensation to any parties is not required.

Property Rights Removal/Relocation of Property Rights Holders

The project is an off grid renewable energy project which supplies clean electricity to the
villagers. The project is not located on a land/territory claimed by any indigenous people,
vulnerable people and the project activity does not lead to removal or relocation of property
rights holders from their lands or territories, and do not force rights holders to relocate
activities important to their culture or livelihood.

Identification of Illegal Activities

There are no illegal activities identified and associated that could affect the project’s impacts
and hence measures needed and designed to reduce these activities are not required.

Ongoing Conflicts or Disputes

There are no ongoing or unresolved conflicts or disputes over rights to lands, territories and
resources. The project activity is undertaken that could prejudice the outcome of an
unresolved dispute.

National and Local Laws and Regulations

The Project activity meets all local laws and regulation of India. Each solar panel and biomass
gasifier included in the grouped project activity is implemented as per Government of India Mini
Grid Policy6.

Project Ownership
The ownership of each plant can be verified through following documents:

• Customer Subscription form (Appendix 1)

• Commissioning report (Appendix 2)

Grouped Projects

6 https://mnre.gov.in/file-manager/UserFiles/draft-national-Mini_Micro-Grid-Policy.pdf

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As project activity is a part of grouped project activity, hence eligibility criteria for inclusion of
new instances of each project activity are as follows:

1. Each project activity should be based of technology solar, Biomass or hybrid system
2. Each project activity should not be more than 1 MW capacity
3. Each project activity can supply excess power to national grid

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3 BENEFITS FOR PEOPLE AND

PROSPERITY
3.1 Condition of Stakeholders at Project Start
The current power scenario pertaining to the grid is – demand far outstrips the supply and the
continuing shortage of power, resulting in power cuts. Therefore, in the absence of the project activity,
equal amount of electricity would have been used from Diesel generators units. In the absence of
project activity electricity was supplied from fossil fuel based mini-grid and from national grid.

The baseline situation for two main stakeholder groups identified for this project are:

• Residents: Before the start of the project residents of the villagers had to spend on
average INR 434 per month per person on diesel fuel for running DG sets for various
needs at home such as running fans, tv, lighting for studying etc. This led to a
significant portion of their income being spent of purchasing diesel fuel for their
home. Also, unemployment rate in the villages was high and most people were
employed in the agriculture sector as farming and did not have the right technical
knowledge and capacity on other electrical and technical domains.

• Small business/shop owners: Due to limited grid electricity availability, small shop
owners and businesses had to close down their operations in the early evening hours
which led to only limited income and business activities.

3.2 Expected Impacts on Stakeholders

Impact #1 Decrease in Overall spending

The impact is a positive impact as people in the nearby communities of the

project could save money that was spent on diesel fuel for meeting their
Type of Impact
electricity needs. The impact is an actual impact which is a direct
consequence of the project activity.

Affected
Stakeholder Residents and shop owners
Group(s)

With the project activity people were able to save significant portion of their
Resulting Change in savings which was spent on purchasing fuels as 100% of the customers
Well-being eliminated the use of DG sets with the implementation of the project
activity.

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Impact #2 Enhanced Technology Transfer and Skills

The impact is a positive, indirect impact as a consequence of the project

Type of Impact
activity which is actual

Affected
Stakeholder Residents and shop owners
Group(s)

The project activity hired many people from the villages as maintenance
Resulting Change in staff and trained them in project operation and maintenance resulting in
Well-being
employment generations and skill and capacity building.

3.3 Stakeholder Monitoring Plan

The stakeholder monitoring plan for the variables linked to the identified project impacts and
the claims are as follows:

SDG claim SDG 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and
modern energy services

Mitigation measure NA

Chosen parameter The quantity and number of household electricity is supplied

to

Way of monitoring How Energy meters and Plant records

By who Project proponent

When Monthly

SDG claim SDG 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent
work for all women and men, including for young people and
persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal
value

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Chosen parameter Quantity of jobs created by the project activity and proportion
of local staff employed

Way of monitoring How HR department records

By who Project proponent

When Monthly

Impact Decrease in overall spending

Chosen parameter Reduction in overall spending on purchasing fuel for DG set to

meet energy needs. And composition with electricity purchase
from project participant.

Way of monitoring How Consultation with stakeholders and survey

By who Project proponent

When Annually

Impact Enhanced technology transfer and skills

Chosen parameter Number of training imparted to employees and satisfaction of

the stakeholders with training

Way of monitoring How HR Records; Consultation with stakeholders

By who Project proponent

When Annually

3.4 Net Positive Stakeholder Well-being Impacts

Impacts Stakeholders Baseline Project Net Impact

Scenario Scenario

The quantity Farmers, small In the baseline, In the project Positive

and number of business owners no households scenario, a

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households to had access to total of 6055

which clean and people
electricity is affordable benefitted from
supplied to electricity and access to clean
relied on fossil and affordable
fuel-based grid electricity
or mini grid provided by the
(DG Sets) project activity

Quantity of jobs Community In the baseline In the project Positive

created by the members / villagers scenario, all scenario, 15
project activity village and skilled and 30
and proportion community unskilled
of local staff residents were people were
employed employed in recruited from
either the local
agriculture or communities
small shops. and given jobs
Project activity at plant site.
increase
skilled and
unskilled job in
the are

Average Villagers/community In the baseline In the project Positive

Decrease in members scenario, scenario,
money spent villagers had to villagers are
on electricity spend on saving more
average INR money to meet
434 per month their energy
per person on demands from
diesel fuel for the project
running DG activity in
sets for various comparison to
needs at home using DG sets

Number of Villagers/community In the baseline, With the project Positive

training members as majority of activity, training
imparted to the population and skill
employees and was employed building
satisfaction of in agriculture sessions are
the sector, skills ongoing
stakeholders and knowledge process, where

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with project related to novel workers are

activity technology trained on
were no various aspects
prevalent in of the plant
the region thereby
increasing their
knowledge and
capacity

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4 BENEFITS FOR THE PLANET

4.1 Condition of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services at Project
Start
The project is an off grid renewable energy project which does not affect the natural capital
and ecosystem of the region and therefore does not pose as a threat to the ecosystem. Most
of the environmental related impacts are GHG related and has neutral impact on the
ecosystem and natural resources.

4.2 Expected Impacts on Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services

Since the project is an off grid renewable energy project therefore it has neutral affect on
natural capital and ecosystem of the region, therefore no threats and mitigation measures
required.

4.3 Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services Monitoring Plan

N/A

4.4 Net Positive Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services Impacts

Since the project is an off grid renewable energy project therefore it has neutral effect on
natural capital and ecosystem of the region. The main environmental benefit associated with
the project are related to GHG emission reduction which has been explained in detail in the
next section.

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APPENDIX 1
Sample Customer Subscription Form
 Project Description: SD VISta Version 1

APPENDIX 2
Sample Commissioning Reports

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