Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to launch a series of skill development initiatives to build a trained workforce for the green hydrogen sector as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), state government officials said.
The Skill Development and Technical Education (SDTE) Department is preparing a roadmap for implementing training, upskilling and reskilling programmes to support the growing green hydrogen value chain. The Directorate of Skill Development-cum-Employment (DSDE) and the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) have been tasked with finalising the plan, The New Indian Express reported.
The proposed roadmap will include short-term training programmes for youth and job seekers, recognition of prior learning (RPL) for experienced workers without formal certification, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and long-term skill development initiatives. The state also plans to strengthen industry linkages to improve employment opportunities for trained candidates.
Officials said priority districts and industrial clusters hosting green hydrogen-related projects will be identified to align skill development programmes with local employment demand.
The proposal will be submitted to the Centre for implementation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was launched in January 2023 with a financial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has directed states to prepare roadmaps for creating a skilled workforce across the green hydrogen value chain.
The Centre has also asked states to identify locations where projects such as refineries, fertiliser plants, renewable energy parks, mobility pilots and industrial hubs are being developed to maximise local employment opportunities.
Odisha has positioned itself as an emerging hub for the green hydrogen sector. Earlier this year, it became the first state in India to announce a dedicated Green Hydrogen Policy, aimed at attracting investment and accelerating the transition to clean energy.
The state government has also announced plans to introduce hydrogen-powered public transport and develop a dedicated jetty at Paradip Port for handling green hydrogen, ammonia and other liquid cargo. The project, estimated to cost ₹797.17 crore, is expected to strengthen Odisha’s role in India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.
