With climate concerns intensifying globally, India is witnessing a significant transformation towards a greener economy. With the ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, the nation is rapidly expanding its green energy infrastructure. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates substantial economic opportunities, particularly in the job market. By 2030, the renewable energy sector alone could add over 3 million jobs. The year 2024 has witnessed several workforce trends in this evolving sector.
Job opportunities in renewable energy
The renewable energy sector in India has experienced substantial growth in job demand. In FY23, the sector’s contribution to job creation was 8.5%, which surged to 23.7% in FY24. This growth trajectory will potentially continue, with approximately 1.7 million new jobs expected to be generated in the next three years.
Roles such as solar panel installers, energy auditors, and operational support professionals are witnessing heightened demand. In addition to these roles, the demand for solar PV and wind turbine technicians, roofers, production operators, storage operators, and waste management specialists is rising significantly.
The sector requires a mix of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers to meet its demands. For example, a large solar plant spanning hectares of land needs extensive cleaning and maintenance. These tasks create opportunities for semi-skilled and unskilled workers, while skilled technicians manage the more technical aspects of plant operation. These positions are crucial to supporting the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects across the country.
Government initiatives driving workforce development
India’s renewable energy ambitions are supported by robust government initiatives aimed at workforce development. Programs like the Skill India Mission have trained over 140 million individuals, with more than 5.4 million specifically upskilled to meet the demands of the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the establishment of over 3,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce.
In a further boost to workforce development, the government has implemented a comprehensive ‘skilling plan’ to create a 100,000-strong workforce skilled in solar panel installation and management. This initiative directly supports the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana,’ which aims to empower 10 million homes with grid-connected solar panels.
To implement the PM Surya Ghar scheme, significant employment opportunities will arise for installations, repair, and maintenance engineers. The widespread installation of rooftop solar panels will demand skilled installers and electricians. Post-installation, a specialized workforce focusing on monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing system performance will be crucial to maintain operational efficiency.
Scaling domestic solar PV production
The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for renewable energy focuses on boosting the domestic production of photovoltaic (PV) cells, reducing reliance on imports, and enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities. The domestic production of PV cells is expected to generate over one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, further solidifying India’s position as a renewable energy leader.
Additionally, the workforce supporting the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme will play a critical role in scaling rooftop solar energy, ensuring that households can efficiently generate and use clean energy.
Green hydrogen as a growth driver
The Green Hydrogen Policy has further facilitated workforce development in renewable energy. Specialized training programs focusing on green hydrogen and battery storage technologies are preparing professionals for high-demand roles. This ensures that India is not only advancing technologically but also creating a sustainable employment ecosystem.
To support this, government-backed training programs are preparing professionals to work in this innovative field, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of green hydrogen and energy storage advancements.
Emerging roles and future outlook
As the green transition accelerates, new job roles are emerging across various sub-sectors. The demand for renewable energy project managers, battery storage specialists, and wind energy technicians is set to grow significantly in 2025. These roles require technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of sustainable practices.
Additionally, positions in operations, maintenance, and technical roles will remain highly sought after, with an increasing emphasis on solar PV and wind turbine installation and maintenance. These roles are pivotal in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems. With a focus on achieving net-zero carbon emissions, India’s workforce must continuously adapt to evolving technologies and operational frameworks.
Conclusion
India’s green transition is more than an environmental commitment. It is an economic revolution that is reshaping the workforce landscape. With strategic investments in skill development and an increasing focus on innovation, India is well-positioned to meet its renewable energy goals while generating sustainable employment for millions. The ongoing trends in the renewable energy sector are just the beginning of a transformative journey that will redefine India’s energy and employment landscape in the years to come.
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