India’s renewable energy sector sees job surge, but attrition remains a challenge

New Delhi: As India pushes towards its goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, employment in the renewable energy sector is projected to grow by 18.9% this fiscal year, according to TeamLease Services, a staffing company.

This year’s manpower hiring forecast however marks a slowdown from FY24’s 23.7% increase, which was a sharp rise from 8.5% in FY23 and 10.4% in FY22.

While projections indicate a sluggish hiring pace this year, the renewable energy sector remains a driver of job creation, particularly in contractual roles. The workforce is largely youth-driven, with 26.9% of employees aged 26-30, and 27.9% in the 31-35 age bracket. Experienced professionals also play a major role, with 16% aged 35-40, and 18.2% aged 40 and above.

Demand for specialised skills is on the rise especially in engineering, project management, data analytics, and sustainable energy solutions.

Companies are also seeking professionals in solar, wind, and hybrid energy systems, with growing demand for solar PV technicians, roofers, production operators, storage operators, waste management specialists, energy auditors, and operational support roles.

Educational qualifications are playing a crucial role in shaping this workforce. In FY24, 44.1% of contractual employees held an ITI/Diploma, followed by 28.9% graduates, 14.6% 12th pass, and 4.1% postgraduates—underscoring the industry’s reliance on vocational and skill-based training.

Regionally, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are leading employment generation in the sector, driven by large-scale solar energy production.

Government policies have been instrumental in fuelling this growth, with initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM KUSUM, and the Solar PV Module PLI Scheme fostering investment and expanding workforce opportunities.

“India’s renewable energy sector is at a crucial inflection point, driven by strong government initiatives and rising corporate investments,” said Subburathinam P, chief operating officer, TeamLease Services.

Meanwhile, high attrition continues to pose a challenge. While the rate dropped from 39.1% in FY22 to 33.5% in FY24, it is expected to rise again to 39.4% this fiscal. Work tenure trends reveal that 38.6% of contractual employees have less than a year of experience, while only 11.8% stay beyond four years.

Subburathinam P said, “The challenge lies in addressing high attrition and skill gaps through structured workforce planning. By integrating vocational training, digital skill development, and retention strategies, organisations can build a sustainable talent pipeline.”