India’s renewable energy sector, particularly solar and green hydrogen, is witnessing an unprecedented growth. The target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 combined with the gradual shift towards sustainable energy sources has led to a greater demand for skilled professionals in these domains. As of February 2023, 13.1% of paid job listings in the country have a demand for green skills, with a steady 5% annual increase observed in job posts requiring these skills.
While there is a growing interest in green jobs among job seekers in India, not many are aware of specific job roles and skill-building programs in the sector. This lack of awareness and targeted skill development programs has contributed to the widening gap between the demand and supply of green talent.
To address this challenge, India must prioritize skilling and upskilling initiatives tailored to the green jobs market. Educational institutions play a crucial role in this endeavour by designing curricula focusing on climate technology and sustainability. Incorporating relevant courses and practical training components will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in green careers.
Skilling initiatives for bridging the gap
Primarily, companies in the solar and green hydrogen sectors must prioritize skilling and upskilling initiatives to bridge the demand and supply gap. They should collaborate with educational institutes and vocational training centres to create industry-relevant training programs. It should cover topics such as solar panel installation, maintenance, and repair, as well as green hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. Companies can leverage online learning platforms and virtual training modules to reach a broader audience and facilitate remote skilling.
Also, aspiring professionals can benefit from on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs where they get hands-on experience and practical knowledge. Companies in the renewable energy sector should actively promote awareness and interest in these sectors among students and job seekers. Outreach programs, career fairs, and industry collaborations can help attract talented individuals and highlight potential career opportunities in the solar and green hydrogen domains.
At the same time, skilling initiatives should not be limited to technical aspects alone. Soft skills, such as project management, communication, and teamwork, are equally crucial for successful project execution and collaboration within these sectors.
Government support and initiatives leading the change
The Indian government has taken a proactive stance by introducing a comprehensive training program outlined by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). This initiative involves a multi-pronged approach, starting with a thorough skill gap analysis to identify the specific competencies required in the solar and green hydrogen sectors.
Notably, the MNRE’s initiatives like the Suryamitra Programme for solar PV technicians and the Jal Urja Mitra Programme for small hydropower plant technicians focus on developing curricula for schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, and higher education institutions tailored to the needs of the industry. The new educational materials will be added to the existing educational frameworks across schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, and higher education institutions. It intends to equip students and aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and practical skills. This, in turn, will create a pool of skilled workers who can fulfil the growing demand in the solar and green hydrogen sectors.
Conclusion
The demand-supply gap in India’s solar, green hydrogen and broader green jobs sectors is a significant challenge for India’s transition towards a sustainable future. However, by prioritizing comprehensive skilling initiatives and fostering strong collaborations between the government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders, the nation can effectively bridge this gap and unlock the full potential of its renewable energy and sustainability ambitions.
With a skilled and aware workforce at the forefront, comprising over 18.5 million green jobs as of late 2023 and projected to double by 2047, the nation can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those held by pv magazine.
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