Clean Energy Jobs See Sharp Spike In India

Based on these observations, the June 2017 study has listed key recommendations for the federal and provincial governments. It has suggested a greater impetus and policy priority to rooftop solar to create renewable energy jobs, initiative to support development of training centres led by the private sector to source construction jobs locally since solar jobs are distributed among states.

It also suggests developing wind power training centres based on state-specific wind targets in eight windy states, and target a strong domestic solar manufacturing industry to provide employment to an additional 45,000 people in India.

India's solar and wind energy sectors employed more than 21,000 people in 2016-17. An additional 25,000 people will be employed over the coming year, the study predicted. India's clean energy workforce comprises solar installers, maintenance workers, engineers, technicians and performance data monitors.

"Clean energy expansion is generating thousands of new jobs while meeting India's climate and economic goals," said Nehmat Kaur, India Consultant at NRDC. "With this tremendous opportunity, India is stepping up as a global leader in demonstrating how a growing economy can scale up renewables, generate employment and provide access in the face of rising energy demands."

Some 80 pct of the new workforce is likely to be employed during the construction phase, according to Neeraj Kuldeep, Programme Associate at CEEW. "However, despite these being contractual jobs, the large pipeline of renewable energy projects creates enough opportunities for workers to stay employed," Kuldeep said.

"Additionally, since most of these jobs are in the rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) segment, central and state governments must provide greater policy support to the rooftop sector," he added.

Read Also:
Samsung Cuts Manpower For 1st Time In 7 Years
GST Rollout To Create One Lakh Jobs In Three Months, Says Minister