India’s aim to achieve 500 Giga Watt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is facing a roadblock. At this critical juncture it is faced with a shortage of 1.2 million skilled workers in the renewable energy sector. This target is pivotal for the meeting of international climate commitments. It is more than a technical shortcoming.
For it is a stumbling block in the path to realise energy security, energy growth and global leadership in green manufacturing. The gap is likely to widen as this shortage of skilled manpower in a sector which is poised to be the cutting edge of the economy is projected to rise to 1.7 million in 2027.
The entire gamut of green energy ranging from solar panels to batteries to field operations like installations and maintenance is spanned by this deficit. One cannot overlook that government has allocated funds for the skilling programme. But it is inadequate. A 10-fold increase to bridge the gap is advocated by industry leaders.
Funding apart, structural reforms in education and training is essential to step up the skill of the workforce in the renewable energy sector. The traditional curriculum of Indian engineering is not equipped to address the nuances of renewable energy sector.
Institutions imparting engineering education must integrate specialised programmes to prepare the graduates for real world application. These are to be about solar, wind and battery technologies. Partnerships with global energy leaders are called for too. It would facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance local expertise.
The fallout of the skill shortage is already being felt. It is inflating operational costs and delaying project timelines. The problem is further exacerbated in remote regions where retaining talent is difficult. Rural projects remain understaffed as the personnel tend to gravitate towards urban centres.
Together with employers offering competitive salaries and better compensation packages as well as opportunities for skill development, the government has to more than chip in. It has to prioritise skilling programmes in rural areas creating employment opportunities nearer home for aspiring workers. Targeted training in localised skilling hubs in renewable energy areas could go a long way in retaining talent. It would boost both employment and project efficiency.
In this regard, private sector efforts are encouraging. Some private firms have set up dedicated skilling centres focused on green technologies and practical applications. These initiatives are certainly commendable. But they ought to be part of a national strategy which is yet to be rolled out. To meet the growing need of skilled personnel in renewable energy sector, a collaborative approach in involving the government, the industry and the academia is called for.
Renewable energy sector lies at the heart of the country’s climate strategy and economic aspirations. Addressing the skill gap is a national imperative. The deficit of skilled workers is renewable energy sector is an essential prerequisite in the country’s energy transition journey. The skill shortage gap must not be allowed to yawn any further. An ambitious target is to be achieved. The time to act is now. (IPA)
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