Renewable Energy Reshapes India’s Job Market in 2025

India’s renewable energy sector is transforming the job market, creating 1.02 million jobs by 2023 and targeting 12 million by 2030. With 51.5 GW of wind and 108 GW of solar capacity, the sector drives economic growth and supports net-zero goals, but upskilling remains a challenge to meet demand.

Renewable energy employed 1.02 million people in India in 2023, with wind (40,000 jobs) and solar leading growth. The sector’s expansion, with 26.5% of installed capacity from renewables, is driven by policies like PM Surya Ghar and ₹26,549 crore in 2025 budget allocations. Projections estimate 12 million new jobs by 2030, replacing 5 million fossil fuel jobs.

Wind energy, at 51.5 GW, targets 100 GW by 2030, creating roles in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Solar, at 108 GW, supports jobs in panel production and grid integration. States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are hubs, with Inox Solar’s new Odisha plant adding 2,000 jobs. The Skill India initiative aims to train 400 million workers, focusing on green skills.

Challenges include a skill gap, with 55% of the workforce aged 26-35 needing upskilling. The transition from coal, employing 5 million, risks job losses without retraining. Women, at 10% of the renewable workforce, face barriers to entry. The Budget’s Critical Minerals Mission supports battery and solar production, creating 50,000 jobs by 2028.

Renewables reshape rural economies, with solar projects employing local labor. However, land acquisition and financing, requiring $22.5 billion in 2023, limit growth. The World Bank’s support for storage projects, like Chhattisgarh’s 120 MWh plant, creates technical roles but needs scaling.

Conclusion

India’s renewable energy sector is a job market catalyst, targeting 12 million roles by 2030. While driving economic and climate goals, upskilling and inclusive policies are critical to ensure a just transition and maximize opportunities.

Source: PV Magazine India