SHAMS MA AN SOLAR PV POWER PLANT PROJECT (50MW) ANNEX I STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP)

Transcription

1 SHAMS MA AN SOLAR PV POWER PLANT PROJECT (50MW) ANNEX I STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN (SEP) 14 July 2014 REV - 0

2 TABLE OF CONTENT Table of Content... i 1. Introduction Project Description Regulatory Context Relevant Jordanian Stakeholder Engagement Requirements &Legislation IFC Requirements Summary of Previous Stakeholder Engagement Activities Identification of Project Stakeholders Stakeholder Engagement Program and Action Plan Stakeholder Engagement Plan Stakeholder Engagement Action Plan Grievance Procedure Reporting Page i

3 1. INTRODUCTION Shams Ma an Power Generation PSC (the Developer ) propose to develop a solar photovoltaic (PV) project of 50 Mega Watt (MW) capacity (the Project ).This document is a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) describing the planned stakeholder consultation and engagement process for the Project. The Project is located within a Development Area (known as the Solar Park of the Ma an Development Area) an area of 5km 2 to be developed by solar PV projects by 9 developers (including Shams Ma an) for a total capacity of 160 MW. The Developers are summarized in the table below: Table 1: Developers within the Solar Park Developer Capacity (MW) Shams Ma an 50 SunEdison 20 Anwar Al-Ardh (EJRE) 20 Catalyst 20 Arabia One 10 Ardh Al-Amal (GLAE) 10 Martifer 10 Bright Group Investments 10 CEC 10 Total 160 Another solar PV Project is being developed within Ma an Governorate; which is Scatec 10MW PV Power Plant. This Project is located at a distance of around 7km to the west of Ma an city and at a distance of around 18.5km to the west of the Solar Park. Together all solar PV projects currently being developed within Ma an Governorate have a total capacity of 170MW. This SEP has been prepared for Shams Ma an Power Generation PSC, however it is vitally recommended that the various PV developers of the Solar Park collaborate and collectively adopt this SEP. Such collaboration is favored over individual planning and implementation by each developer given the proximity of the solar PV projects to each other, the shared beneficiary community and stakeholders between all developers, and the similarity in nature of such projects; therefore the stakeholder groups and engagement plans for those stakeholders and in particular the local communities near the Project will be similar to this Project in specific. Same applies to Scatec PV Project which even though is located outside the Solar Park, it is being considered as part of this SEP because it has the same beneficiary community and stakeholder list. Such collaborative planning and adoption of the SEP by the various developers would avoid repetitiveness of engagement actions and plans with stakeholders by each developer and provide a more systematic and structured approach for stakeholder engagement in a way that helps achieve macro-level interventions within the directly affected stakeholders. The SEP outlines a systematic approach to stakeholder engagement that will help build and maintain over time a constructive relationship with stakeholders, in particular the locally affected communities. The document also includes a grievance mechanism for stakeholders to raise their concerns about the Project. The SEP is a live document which will be updated during the Projects preparation and implementation. Page 1

4 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project is located within Ma an Governorate in the South of Jordan, approximately 200 km south of the capital city of Amman. The Project site is 9km southeast of Ma an city (population 33,300), while the closest village (Al Mahata Village, population 300) is located approximately 6km to the northwest. The project location is shown in Figure 1 below. In addition, the Project site is near a major highway which runs from Ma an city to the Saudi Arabian Border in the South (known as the Mudawwara Borders). Also, located 1.5km to the North of the Project site is an Industrial Park which houses several industrial facilities. Finally, as stated earlier, the Project is located within a Development Area (known as the Solar Park of the Ma an Development Area) an area of 5km 2 to be developed with Solar PV projects by 9 developers (including Shams Ma an) for a total capacity of 160 MW. Figure 1: Project Site Location The Project site is 2km 2 and can be characterized as being dominantly of fairly flat surfaces, with a wadi system which intersects the Project site and runs from the western part of the site to the eastern parts. In addition, the site is classified as a desert-like habitat that is barren and arid and mostly covered with Chert Pebbles, while few vegetation strips can be found scattered mainly within the wadi system. The Project is composed of thirty four (34) power arrays (each with a capacity of 1.54 MW) distributed within the Project site. Each Array is composed of the following: 20,000 PV Panels; Each array is supported on a one axis tracker metal supporting structure; and DC-AC inverter and a transformer (360 V to 33 kv). In addition, there are infrastructure and utilities which will serve the Project and which include underground cables, collector station, substation, building infrastructure (control room and warehouse), fencing, internal road network and onsite water reservoirs. The Project aims to contribute towards increasing energy security in Jordan through development of local energy resources and reducing dependency on external energy sources. Producing clean energy will also contribute to lowering electricity generation costs compared to the current costs associated with liquid fuels Page 2

5 in Jordan. In addition, the Project will provide around 160 Gigawatt Hour (GWh) of electricity per year which is enough to cover the average annual electricity consumption of more than 30,000 households in Jordan and offset more than 100,000 ton of CO 2 per year. Project construction is anticipated to commence in November 2014 and will require approximately 15 months. Thus, Project operation is anticipated to commence in January 2015 for a period of 20 years. The Project will require the following workforce: Around 500 job opportunities during the construction phase for a duration of approximately 15 months. This will mainly include engineers, electrical and mechanical technicians, as well as unskilled workers. Around 25 job opportunities during the operation phase to include skilled labour (such as electrical and mechanical technicians) and unskilled labour (such as module cleaners and security personnel) for a duration of 20 years. Page 3

6 3. REGULATORY CONTEXT 3.1 Relevant Jordanian Stakeholder Engagement Requirements &Legislation Stakeholder engagement in Jordan is connected to the preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and is a requirement of the EIA Regulation No. (37) of For those projects which require an ESIA (as the case for this Project), the Regulation requires a scoping session with potentially affected stakeholders at the onset of the ESIA, in order to provide stakeholders with project information and allow them to participate in the ESIA process. The Ministry of Environment requires the following stakeholder groups to be invited to the scoping session: national government entities; local governmental agencies; non-governmental organizations; academic and research institutions; and local community representatives. The Regulation specifies that the outcomes of the ESIA are to be announced to the public and stakeholders in a manner that the Ministry of Environment deems appropriate and is dealt with on a case by case basis taking into account the type and nature of the project development. 3.2 IFC Requirements The Developer will be seeking financing for the Project from prospective lenders, including international Financial Institutions (IFIs). Therefore the Developer wishes to design and manage the project in accordance with good international industry practice and standards including the ESIA. Therefore, the ESIA and SEP have been prepared in accordance with the IFC Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability including the IFC Performance Standards (PS) and the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Guidelines. The IFC requirements have become the de facto international environmental and social performance benchmark for project financing. The IFC Performance Standards form part of their Sustainability Framework, where the IFC Performance Standard 1 (IFC, 2012) sets out the following recommendations for stakeholder engagement: Stakeholder Engagement is an on-going process that may involve: stakeholder analysis & planning, disclosure & dissemination of information, consultation & participation, grievance mechanism, and ongoing reporting to Affected Communities. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) will be developed and implemented that is scaled to the project risks and impacts and development stage, and be tailored to the characteristics and interests of the Affected Communities. Affected Communities will be provided with access to relevant information on: (i) the purpose, nature, and scale of the project; (ii) the duration of proposed project activities; (iii) any risks to and potential impacts on such communities and relevant mitigation measures; (iv) the envisaged stakeholder engagement process; and (v) the grievance mechanism. When Affected Communities are subject to identified risks and adverse impacts from a project, a process of consultation will be undertaken in a manner that provides the Affected Communities with opportunities to express their views on project risks, impacts and mitigation measures, and allows the client to consider and respond to them. The extent and degree of engagement should be commensurate with the project s risks and adverse impacts and concerns raised by Affected Communities. The consultation process will be tailored to language preferences of Affected Communities, their decisionmaking process, and the needs of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups. For projects with potentially significant adverse impacts, the client will conduct an Informed Consultation and Participation (ICP). Page 4

7 A grievance mechanism will be established to receive and facilitate resolution of Affected Communities concerns and grievances about the client s environmental and social performance. As it is considered that the Shams Ma an Solar PV Power Plant Project is likely to be categorized as a Category B project under the IFC requirements, it will be disclosed for a minimum of 30 days. Page 5

8 4. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES In accordance with Jordanian legislative requirements, stakeholder engagement activities were organised during the Project ESIA and these are summarised in the table below. Annex II of the ESIA provides details of all stakeholder consultation carried out prior to disclosure of the ESIA. Table 2: Summary of Previous Stakeholder Engagement Activities Date Engagement Summary of Stakeholder Engagement Activities: Activity 1 April 2014 Scoping Session Meeting held in Amman in coordination with Ministry of Environment with attendees identified by ESIA team and Ministry of Environment. The Project was introduced and various components explained. The proposed methodology for the ESIA was outlined and anticipated impacts throughout the Project s phases were discussed. Stakeholders were invited to participate in the scoping of environmental impacts into the ESIA. The main issues raised by stakeholders related to: 28 May 2014 Local Community Consultation - Landscape and Visual; - Geology and hydrology; - Biodiversity ; - Infrastructure and utilities; and - Socio-economic development. A Scoping Report was submitted to the Ministry of Environment after the session which included the main outcomes and deliberations from the Scoping Session. The meeting was headed by the Mayor of Ma an Municipality at the Greater Ma an Municipality Hall and the session focused on the nearby community settlements of Ma an City and Al-Mahata Village. Discussions were held about: - The Project; - Environmental and Social Impacts; - Socio-economic conditions and development; and - Opportunity to input into proposed mitigation measures was provided. Session was attended by representatives of local community members; Community Based Organizations (CBO); local academic institutions; local enterprises and businesses; elder representatives of tribal groups; and vulnerable groups where women, youth and unemployed were identified as vulnerable groups. The main outcomes of the consultation are summarized in Section in the ESIA. March June 2014 Specialist Consultation Various stakeholders have been engaged and consulted as part of the ESIA process. These are outlined in Table 16 of the ESIA. Page 6

9 5. IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS In order to define a communication process in line with the EIA Regulation, a mapping exercise was undertaken in which stakeholder groups that may be affected by (Table 3) and/or interested in ( Table 4) the implementation of the Project have been identified. The stakeholder groups that may be affected (Table 3) were identified in line with those stakeholder groups whom require special attention and additional coordination or communication to ensure that they get the necessary information or communication. Communication methods with those stakeholder groups are presented in Table 3 below and include the following: For the local community this mainly includes undertaking group meetings/public meetings through coordination with the Social Development Unit of Ma an Governorate and Greater Ma an Municipality as well as updates on Greater Ma an Municipality bulletin boards. For the other stakeholder entities identified this mainly includes official correspondence (i.e. through sending an official letter) and undertaking meetings with those entities. Table 4 identifies stakeholder groups and parties whom are not affected by the project development per se but may have an interest in the implementation of the Project. This mainly includes the following: National and local governmental institutions (whom might require that they undertake certain inspections or auditing exercises and/or might require certain updates on the implementation of the Project). Communication methods with those entities is to take place through official correspondence (i.e. through sending an official letter) and undertaking meetings with those entities. Non-governmental organizations and others institutions whom could be interested in updates on the implementation of the Project. Communication methods with those entities is to take place through. Such entities will be provided with such information as part of the disclosure of this SEP as discussed in details in Section 6 below. The Project welcomes suggestions for improvement of proposed communication methods or media. Suggestions can be submitted via the contact information for the Developer at the end of this document. Table 3: Summary of Affected Parties/Stakeholders Affected Party Likely Communication Methods Objective Representatives of local community members Community Based Organisations Local academic institutions Local enterprises and businesses Womens groups Youth and the unemployed Local Community Group meetings/public meetings and municipal bulletin boards. Group meetings/public meetings, municipal bulletin boards, s with project updates. Group meetings/public meetings, municipal bulletin boards, s with project updates. Group meetings/public meetings and municipal bulletin boards. Group meetings/public meetings and municipal bulletin boards. Group meetings/public meetings, municipal bulletin boards, s with project updates Necessary information and communication required throughout the Project development. This includes but not limited to the following: Grievance mechanism and procedures; Ongoing reporting to provide regular project updates and obtain feedback and concerns; Provide information on stakeholder engagement program and keep them updated on Project activities; Information related to the implementation of the Social Action Plan to be developed as detailed within the ESIA in Section 8.13 which includes but not limited to: - Manage expectations so that local communities are realistic about opportunities from the Project and discuss commitments related to social development - Number of skilled and unskilled job Page 7

10 Elder representatives of local community/groups Workers (including any subcontractors workers) Ministry Environment Department Antiquities Traffic Department Ma an Municipality Ma an Directorate of of Water Ma an Public Works Directorate Aqaba Railway Corporation Ma an Development Company RSCN/ BirdLife International Group meetings/public meetings and municipal bulletin boards. Individual meetings / internal workers' meetings opportunities targeted to the local community - Present transparent recruitment procedures - Capacity building and training programs, occupational health and safety plan, company policies and procedures, grievance mechanism, code of conduct, etc. National Governmental Entities implementation; this includes coordination for collection of hazardous waste from site, submission of Disposal Plan, and submission of Transport Plan. implementation; this includes reporting and communication in case archeologically remains are found through construction of project. implementation; this includes coordination for preparation of Transport Plan. Local Governmental Entities implementation; this includes coordination for collection of solid waste from site and coordination for preparation of Transport Plan. implementation; this includes coordination to get the list approved private wastewater tankers for the purpose of collection of wastewater from site. implementation; this includes coordination to install informative signs on the Highway for commuters and coordination for preparation of Transport Plan. implementation; this includes notification on potential for glare within the area. implementation; this includes discussion on adopting holistic approach for managing and mitigating flood risks for Solar Park as well as coordination for water supply and wastewater disposal. Non-Governmental Organizations implementation; this includes communication on Page 8

11 outcomes of short term avi-fauna monitoring undertaken during operation. Table 4: Summary of Potentially Interested Parties/Stakeholders Interested Party Likely Communication Methods Governmental Stakeholders Ministry of Environment Development and Free Zones Commission Ministry of Water and Irrigation Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Labour Ministry of Municipal Affairs Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry of Health Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Ministry of Transportation Ministry of Public Works and Housing Ministry of Industry and Trade Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology Traffic Department National Electric Power Company Jordan Engineers Association Other Local Authorities/Agencies Ma an Governorate Greater Ma an Municipality Ma an Water Directorate Ma an Agriculture Directorate Ma an Public Works and Housing Directorate Ma an Health Directorate Ma an Archaeology Directorate Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other Organisations Jordan Environment Society (JES) The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) BirdLife International Friends of Environment Society National Environment and Wild Life Society (NEWS) The Jordan Society for Sustainable Development EDAMA Environmental Societies Association Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) Jordan Green Building Council Energy Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Society Renewable Energy and Environment Investment Society Jordan River Foundation Research and Academic Institutions Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Al Balqa University Ma an College Page 9

12 6. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM AND ACTION PLAN 6.1 Stakeholder Engagement Plan The Developer intends to provide all relevant information to the public. As of [Insert date] all interested and affected parties will be able to find the following documents on the Developer s website ([Insert website]) and the [insert lenders website if posted] website: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA); Non-Technical Summary (NTS); and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) including grievance mechanism. In addition, hard copies of these documents will be available at the following locations: Ministry of Environment; Social Development Unit of Ma an Governorate; Greater Ma an Municipality; and Ma an Development Company (Amman and Ma an office). The ESIA, NTS and SEP will be disclosed for a minimum 30 day disclosure period for public comments. In addition, these documents will remain in the public domain for the duration of the Project, and the SEP will be periodically updated. Finally, ECO Consult in coordination with the Ministry of Environment will send the NTS and SEP to all key stakeholders. The list of stakeholders will include stakeholders invited to the scoping session as well as other stakeholders consulted during the making of this ESIA (as identified in Table 4 above). In addition, ECO Consult will specifically coordinate with the Social Development Unit of Ma an Governorate to send the NTS and SEP to key local community representatives as well as inform the local community that the documents are available at the locations mentioned above. The public will be able to use the grievance procedure described below and information regarding the grievance procedure will be disseminated to affected local communities and key stakeholders. The grievance procedure will be disseminated as part of the SEP as discussed above. Throughout the life of the Project, the Developer and Contractor(s) engaged to undertake the Project will continue to engage with stakeholders and this Stakeholder Engagement Plan will be updated to reflect Project progress. 6.2 Stakeholder Engagement Action Plan The Table below outlines the action plan for stakeholder engagement during disclosure of the ESIA and the next steps after this. The Plan will be updated as the Project develops to include actions during construction and operation Table 5: Stakeholder Engagement Action Plan ID Purpose/Tasks Target Stakeholder Group 1 ESIA Disclosure All Affected Parties and Other Interested Stakeholders. This mainly includes stakeholders invited to the scoping session and other stakeholders consulted during the making of this ESIA (refer to Table 4) as well as key local community representatives to include representatives of local community members; Community Based Organizations (CBO); local academic institutions; local enterprises and businesses; elder representatives of tribal groups; and vulnerable groups where women, youth and unemployed were identified as vulnerable groups 2 Inform Affected Parties about All Affected Parties and Other Interested Stakeholders. This mainly includes Page 10

13 ID Purpose/Tasks Target Stakeholder Group Grievance Procedure stakeholders invited to the scoping session and other stakeholders consulted during the making of this ESIA (refer to Table 4), as well as affected communities (Ma an city and Al-Mahata village) to include representatives of local community members; Community Based Organizations (CBO); local academic institutions; local enterprises and businesses; elder representatives of tribal groups; and vulnerable groups where women, youth and unemployed were identified as vulnerable groups 3 Ongoing reporting to Affected Communities, Provide regular As detailed within Table 3, this includes affected communities (Ma an city and Al-Mahata village) to include representatives of local community members; Project updates and obtain Community Based Organizations (CBO); local academic institutions; local feedback and concerns. enterprises and businesses; elder representatives of tribal groups; and vulnerable groups where women, youth and unemployed were identified as vulnerable groups. 4 Provide affected communities with information on stakeholder engagement programme Keep affected community updated on Project activities 5 Engagement related to ESMP implementation 6 Provide key Project information to media groups 7 Provide opportunities for interested national stakeholders to obtain information on the Project and be consulted in key topics As detailed within Table 3, affected communities (Ma an city and Al-Mahata village) to include representatives of local community members; Community Based Organizations (CBO); local academic institutions; local enterprises and businesses; elder representatives of tribal groups; and vulnerable groups where women, youth and unemployed were identified as vulnerable groups As detailed within Table 3 additional governmental entities and nongovernmental organizations need to be engaged in relation to the requirements and implementation of the ESMP. Local and regional media As detailed within Table 4 National and local governmental entities, Non- Government Organisations, and academic and research institutions. Page 11

14 7. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE The Developer and their Contractor(s) will accept all comments and complaints associated with the Project. A sample of the Projects Public Grievance Form is provided at the end of this document. Any person or organisation may send comments and/or complaints in person, by phone or via post or using the contact information provided at the end of the document. All comments and complaints will be responded to either verbally or in writing, in accordance with the preferred method of communication specified by the complainant, if contact details of the complainant are provided. All grievances will be registered and acknowledged within 5 days and responded to within 20 working days. Individuals who submit their comments or grievances have the right to request that their name be kept confidential. At all times, complainants are also able to seek legal remedies in accordance with the laws and regulations of Jordan. The Developer will monitor the way in which grievances are being handled by their staff and Contractor(s) and ensure they are properly addressed within deadlines specified above. The Developer will keep a grievance log of all grievances (including those received and addressed by the Contractor(s)), based on which grievance management reports will be produced and included in the annual environment and safety reports, published on the Developer s website. The grievance mechanism will be managed by a community liaison officer and will be gender sensitive (i.e. a male and female community liaison officer for managing complaints). A separate grievance mechanism will be available for workers of the Contractor(s). Page 12

15 8. REPORTING Throughout the Project, the Developer will communicate with relevant stakeholders and inform them on any significant issues, for example, changes in the Project program deadlines. In addition, the Developer will provide Project updates on its website. Contact Details for the Public Attention: [name] [Department] Company Postal Address Telephone: Address: Community Liaison Officer Hotline (if any) Website Page 13

16 EXAMPLE ONLY PUBLIC GRIEVANCE FORM Reference No: Full Name Contact Information Please mark how you wish to be contacted (mail, telephone, ). By Post: Please provide mailing address: By Telephone: By Description of Concern, Incident or Grievance: What is your concern/grievance/ What happened? Where did it happen? Who did it happen to? What is the result of the problem? Date of Concern/ Incident/Grievance One time incident/grievance (date ) Happened more than once (how many times? ) On-going (currently experiencing problem) What would you like to see happen to resolve the problem? Signature: Date: Please return this form to:[insert to who form should be returned Page 14