Renewable energy has emerged as a global trend and is increasingly being recognized as a potential solution to address climate change and energy security concerns. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labor Organization, the renewable energy sector employed 12.7 million people worldwide in 2021, with India being one of the leading job creators in the field. Another estimate stated that substantial investment in this sector in the middle of the energy transition scenario might employ up to 38.2 million people by 2030. Before concluding, is renewable energy a new job market for India? Let us understand the energy trends in India.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India is actively pursuing renewable energy as a viable source of power generation. With abundant natural resources, including ample sunlight and wind, India has the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy production. One significant advantage of renewable energy is its potential to create new job opportunities.

As India strives to transition towards a low-carbon economy, renewable energy is expected to emerge as a new job market, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development. The Indian government aims to achieve 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, so the renewable energy sector is projected to generate millions of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy encompasses a wide range of technologies, such as solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal, which harness energy from naturally replenishing sources. These sources are sustainable and do not deplete natural resources, making them an attractive option for addressing India’s growing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, renewable energy sources are often localized, allowing for decentralized power generation, which can enhance energy access and security, particularly in rural areas.

India and Renewable Energy

The renewable energy job market in India is diverse, spanning various sub-sectors, including manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance, research and development, policy and planning, and consulting. Jobs in the renewable energy sector are typically highly skilled, requiring expertise in areas such as engineering, project management, policy analysis, and data analytics. Moreover, the renewable energy sector also presents opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, with a growing ecosystem of startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the space.

India’s renewable energy ambitions can assist the government in achieving numerous goals, such as climate resiliency, job creation, energy independence, and economic growth. According to the research “India’s clean energy workforce: Possibilities in the Solar and Wind Energy Sectors,” India can create about 3.4 million jobs while meeting its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy sources by 2030.

Solar and Wind Energy Sectors

The greatest thing is that the majority of these jobs will be in small-scale renewable energy projects. These small-scale projects are rooftop solar and mini and microgrid systems. These small-scale projects will create local jobs and bring the transformation closer to communities. The survey also said that India successfully trained 78,000 individuals between 2015 and 2017 through the Suryamitra training program. This program aims to increase the availability of competent personnel for clean energy projects. Solar energy is by far the greatest employment in this industry among the many renewable energy sources.

Job creation scenarios to achieve 100 GW of solar energy in India by 2022. Scenario 1: 40GW rooftop, 40 GW large scale project, 20 GW solar park, Scenario 2: 40 GW rooftop, 60 GW large scale project, Scenario 3: 60 GW rooftop, 40 GW large scale project.

In 2022, India set up a target to achieve 175 GW of solar power. This target will create a huge job in this sector as this planned target will be implemented across the nation in various stages that will require labourers with various skill sets. This fastest-growing green economy in the year 2021 has provided 4.3 million jobs around the world. Renewable energy is almost a third of the current global workforce in renewable energy. Increasing energy access, clean energy development, and job creation are the national priorities of the Indian government. India’s solar and wind programs have already catalyzed remarkable growth.

Benefits and Limitations

In addition to creating employment opportunities, the renewable energy job market in India also has the potential to promote social inclusion and gender diversity. As renewable energy projects are often located in rural and remote areas, they can help bridge the urban-rural divide by providing access to affordable and clean energy to marginalized communities. Moreover, the renewable energy sector has been recognized for its potential to promote gender equality, with women’s participation in renewable energy jobs having a positive impact on their socio-economic empowerment.

Despite the significant potential of renewable energy as a new job market in India, there are challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include the need for skilled workforce development, adequate training and capacity-building programs, supportive policies and regulatory frameworks, access to finance, and technological innovation. However, with the right strategies and investments, the renewable energy job market in India can become a catalyst for economic growth, sustainable development, and social inclusion.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, renewable energy is increasingly being recognized as a new job market in India, offering significant opportunities for employment generation, economic growth, and sustainable development. With favourable natural resources and government policies, the renewable energy sector in India has the potential to become a leading source of employment, fostering innovation, social inclusion, and gender diversity. Addressing challenges and investing in the renewable energy job market can contribute to India’s vision of a greener and more sustainable future.

Also Read: Future of Renewable Energy