The author of the article is Mr. Subburathinam P, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Services Limited
In the wake of the global climate crisis, nations worldwide are eventually recognising the urgent need to transition towards sustainable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. As a rapidly developing economy and a significant contributor to global emissions, India has taken an important step by committing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. It is setting the pace for transformation in the country’s energy landscape, further adding thrust to the growth of the country’s renewable energy sector. The recent G20 and COP28 summits showcase a strong global commitment to renewable energy. G20 leaders have committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity in the next six years, presenting India with a chance to capitalize on its expanding renewable energy sector and emerge as a key player.
By 2030, India intends to reduce carbon intensity by 45% and secure 50% of electric power from renewables. During the same period, the country aims to fulfil its target of having 500 GW of renewable energy capacity. Herein, government initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI), ISTS waivers for off-shore wind and green hydrogen projects as well as 100% FDI for the renewable energy sector under the automatic route are supporting the industry growth. From engineers innovating in renewables to farmers embracing energy independence through the PM-KUSUM Scheme, each contributes significantly. This workforce forms India’s backbone in realizing a greener, more prosperous future.
Interestingly, the shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen, is not only contributing to environmental preservation but also leading to economic growth and job creation. With the ongoing transition, the demand for specialized skills in the renewable energy industry has emerged. Skills and roles in demand for the renewable energy sector in India range from solar PV installation and maintenance, engineering and design, project management, Research, manufacturing and supply chain, O&M Technicians, Biomass Plant/Biofuel Production Operator, and health and safety to data analysis and software development.
By the end of 2023, approximately 18.5 million green jobs had been generated across various industries, with projections suggesting a doubling of this figure by 2047. This, in turn, creates a need for a skilled and competent workforce capable of driving this transformative change.
Notably, the field of renewable energy, particularly in installing solar and wind power plants and developing new-age technologies like batteries and green hydrogen, is witnessing a notable surge in the demand for skilled professionals. This increase in demand currently surpasses the pool of available skilled workers, posing challenges as well as opportunities for the workforce within the nation. The global estimated labour demand for equipment manufacturing, installation, and maintenance in the renewable energy sector by 2030 is projected to be 17 million, revealing a significant supply gap of 7 million workers.
In response to this skill shortage and to leverage the opportunities presented by the renewable energy sector, the Indian government has initiated proactive measures under the Skill India Mission. This comprehensive program has already trained 140 million youths, with 5.4 million receiving upskilling and reskilling opportunities. At the same time, the establishment of 3,000 new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has reinforced the nation’s commitment to developing a highly skilled and competent workforce.
India’s commitment to skilling its workforce in the renewable energy sector serves as a great example for other nations. Keeping in view the importance of higher education in driving innovation and technological advancements, the government has established numerous new institutions. These include 7 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 16 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), 7 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), 15 All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and 390 universities. These centers of academic excellence will nurture the next generation of researchers, scientists, and innovators, propelling the renewable energy sector forward.
Also, India has taken commendable steps to address the skills shortage in the renewable energy sector through organizations like the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) and the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP). However, several challenges persist that hinder progress in this area. There is a lack of supportive policies across various sectors for the development of green skills, and existing training programs often fail to adequately integrate these skills. Additionally, current interventions in green skill development suffer from limited coverage and depth. The effectiveness of such initiatives is further impeded by factors like a lack of synergies, a shortage of expert trainers, and insufficient equipment. Moreover, green skill training programs frequently do not sufficiently include marginalized groups, leading to their underrepresentation in this growing industry. These gaps show the urgent need for more comprehensive and inclusive strategies to bridge the skills divide in India’s renewable energy sector.
The emerging green hydrogen sector has garnered significant attention as India positions itself as a global leader in the transition to clean energy. To address the skill gap in this promising field, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is set to introduce a comprehensive training program. This initiative will involve a thorough skill gap analysis, the establishment of a registry of required skills, and the development of curricula tailored for schools, ITIs, polytechnics, and higher education institutions.
The renewable energy revolution in India is not merely a technological shift; it is a transformative movement that empowers individuals, fosters innovation, and paves the way for a prosperous and environmentally conscious society. With its visionary approach to skill development and its unwavering commitment to sustainability, India stands at the forefront of this revolution, leading by example and inspiring nations worldwide to embrace the path towards a greener, more resilient world. Furthermore, the integration of renewable energy into the country’s energy mix will enhance energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, and create numerous employment opportunities across various sectors, while simultaneously reducing India’s carbon footprint.
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