New Delhi: India’s clean energy sector is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, fueled by record investments in renewables, battery storage, and cutting-edge grid technologies. Industry leaders are expressing confidence in the country’s potential to become a global clean tech powerhouse, and are emphasising the exciting opportunity to develop a workforce ready for the demands of a technology-driven landscape. As per the estimates, the sector’s robust job creation is projected to reach 7.29 million jobs by FY28, with 1.2-1.5 million incremental roles expected in FY27 alone. The convergence of artificial intelligence and sustainability is driving urgent demand for digitally skilled workers, with nearly 70 per cent of new green roles requiring tech skills. Around World Youth Skills Day, experts urge policymakers and educators to prioritise targeted training and upskilling in AI and advanced engineering at the recently concluded India Energy Storage Week 2026. This proactive focus will help India sustain its clean energy momentum, ensuring that its workforce is equipped to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving sustainability sector, according to a press release.
Maddisetty Venugopal Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, Pace Digitek Limited, said, “The government’s forward-thinking policies in clean energy and digital infrastructure have set a strong foundation for India’s energy transition. As we invest in AI, battery storage, and smart grid technologies, it’s inspiring to see the government prioritising skill development for our youth. To build on this momentum, I strongly recommend further scaling up specialised training programmes in AI and advanced engineering, and deepening collaboration between industry and academic institutions. By doing so, we will ensure that India’s workforce remains globally competitive and well-equipped to lead the clean tech revolution and achieve our ambitious sustainability goals.”
India’s ambitious manufacturing goals and expanding renewable infrastructure demand a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable. Business models are evolving quickly, and policies must keep pace with these changes.
Bharat S. Chhittarka, Managing Director, Trex Energy, noted, “When we talk about leveraging AI in clean energy, we have to remember that AI systems are only as smart as the experts who train them. Right now, there’s a clear lack of young electrical engineers in India, especially those specialising in AC power conversion and system integration. The government needs to act by promoting electrical engineering as a viable and attractive career, especially at top institutes like IITs, and investing in hands-on training for the next generation. Without this renewed focus, both the clean-tech and traditional power sectors will continue to struggle with a lack of qualified talent.”
As automation and digitalisation accelerate, industry players emphasise that creative and hands-on skills are irreplaceable.
Apoorv Shalugram, Co-founder & CEO, e-TRNL Energy, said, “AI is transforming the way we work, but there are certain roles it simply cannot replace, especially those that require great technical skill or creative problem-solving. In cell manufacturing and materials development, for instance, hands-on expertise, critical observation, and iterative prototyping are essential. India has plenty of raw talent, but we need more focused, high-quality training to turn that potential into industry-ready professionals. I recommend that the government support the establishment of specialised training centres and targeted educational tracks that address real gaps in clean-tech and battery manufacturing.”
Anirudh Saraswat, Founder and CBO, TrueRE Oriana Power, said, “With renewable energy and energy storage deployments accelerating across India, our ability to develop a future-ready workforce will be a defining factor in achieving our energy transition goals. The government can play a pivotal role by strengthening industry-academia partnerships, expanding vocational programmes in solar, energy storage, grid technologies and AI, and creating incentives for continuous workforce upskilling. AI has the potential to transform the sector by enabling predictive maintenance, accurate generation forecasting, grid optimisation and intelligent energy trading. However, building a globally competitive and resilient clean energy ecosystem will require robust digital infrastructure, high-quality data ecosystems and a workforce equipped with both energy and AI capabilities.”
The clean-tech sector requires highly skilled professionals capable of innovation and problem-solving.
Gaurav Dolwani, CEO, Lico Materials, said, “To unlock the full value of batteries and enable second-life applications, India must harness AI for advanced data analytics and invest in developing more electrochemical engineers with both electrical and chemical expertise. Battery technology should become a core subject in education, allowing students to specialise early and close this crucial skills gap. Government support for practical and theoretical training in battery science is essential for realising India’s clean energy ambitions.”
These recommendations took centre stage at India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2026, where more than 10,000 visitors, 1,000 delegates, and 200+ exhibitors gathered to shape the next phase of India’s clean energy revolution.
