Published:
By Arjun Singh, Technical Career Analyst
Landmark Agreement to Build a Future-Ready Green Workforce
NEW DELHI – In a strategic move to power India’s clean energy ambitions, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 11, 2025. The agreement, aimed at building a “future-ready green workforce,” was formalized during the 11th India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, one of South Asia’s top clean energy events.
This partnership directly tackles a growing challenge: the gap between India’s rapid green energy expansion and the availability of skilled professionals to support it. The MoU was signed at a high-level roundtable on “Skill Development for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS),” bringing together industry leaders who see the skill deficit as a key bottleneck.
Key Takeaways: What This Means For You
- New Career Paths: This partnership formalizes new, in-demand jobs in clean energy, especially in the high-growth Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sector.
- Industry-Standard Training: Expect new, standardized courses and certifications from TERI and SCGJ that will become the benchmark for employers.
- Nationwide Opportunities: With 35-40% of new green jobs expected in Tier II/III cities, opportunities are expanding beyond major metros.
- Higher Earning Potential: The green sector is booming, with average salaries already up 20.3% in the last two years.
Dr. PK Bhattacharya, Director at TERI, highlighted the urgency, stating, “Recent policy boosts…support such aspirations. However, in order to reach the goal, there is also a need to strengthen institutional capacity and address skill gaps in the workforce.” This sentiment was echoed by Arpit Sharma, CEO of SCGJ, who noted that skills in the BESS sector remain largely “untapped,” a critical gap this alliance aims to fill.
The Strategic Blueprint: MoU Objectives and Actions
The TERI-SCGJ partnership lays out a clear framework to build a talent pipeline for India’s green economy. It’s a systematic plan moving from analysis to certification. The collaboration will focus on several key actions.
1. Skill Gap Assessment & Job Role Creation
The first step is a formal skill gap assessment to map the workforce needs of the BESS and renewable energy sectors. Based on this data, the partners will define new and emerging job roles that align with the latest technologies. This ensures that training programs are directly tied to real-world employer demands.
2. Curriculum Development & Certification
A core activity is developing standardized, industry-aligned training curricula and learning resources. This addresses a common complaint that academic programs lack practical, field-ready expertise. Graduates will receive nationally recognized certifications through SCGJ, which is an official awarding body under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This credential will signal a high level of competence to employers nationwide.
“This partnership between TERI and SCGJ marks a pivotal step…by creating a future-ready, industry-aligned workforce equipped to drive innovation, bridge skill gaps, and power the country’s rapidly transforming energy landscape.”
This structured approach transforms disparate jobs into formal career pathways. A student can now map a clear progression, for example, from a certified “Solar PV Installer” to a more advanced “BESS Technician,” backed by nationally recognized qualifications.
Why This Partnership is Critical for India’s Green Goals
This skilling initiative is a crucial pillar supporting India’s ambitious national targets: achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reaching Net-Zero emissions by 2070. Battery Energy Storage Systems are essential to this vision, needed to ensure grid stability as solar and wind power increase.
The government is injecting massive capital into this transition, with an estimated ₹4.79 lakh crore investment expected in the energy storage sector by 2032. However, this advanced infrastructure is only as good as the people who operate it. A skilled workforce de-risks these investments by ensuring high-quality installation, operation, and maintenance, making India’s green goals more achievable.
Both organizations are uniquely suited for this mission. TERI has a long history of providing hands-on Green Skill Development Programmes. The Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ), backed by the government, has already trained over 500,000 candidates and aims to train one million more in clean energy by 2030.
Green Careers Outlook: Your Future in Clean Energy
For technical students and young professionals, this partnership signals a historic career opportunity. The data reveals a sector undergoing explosive growth.
Industry estimates project that India’s green economy will create **7.29 million jobs by FY28**, soaring to **35 million by 2047**. The demand for green talent is growing at 20-30% annually, creating a dynamic, candidate-driven market. This isn’t a distant forecast; the renewable energy sector already employed over 1 million people in 2023.
Crucially, these opportunities are spreading nationwide. Tier II and III cities like Jaipur, Indore, and Coimbatore are set to host **35-40% of these new jobs**, opening doors for talent across the country.
High-Demand Technical Roles and Skills
The nature of green jobs is evolving. Demand is shifting from general roles to specialized, tech-driven professions. Professionals who combine core engineering knowledge with digital skills in AI, GIS, and data analytics will be highly sought after. The demand for these hybrid roles is expected to grow 4 to 6 times.
The table below highlights some of the key technical roles emerging in India’s clean energy sector.
| Job Category | Sample Roles |
|---|---|
| Core Renewables | Solar PV Technician, Wind Turbine Technician, Energy Auditor |
| Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) | BESS System Integrator, Storage Operator, Battery Recycling Specialist |
| Green Hydrogen | Electrolyser Technician, Green Hydrogen Plant Operator |
| Digital & Analytics (Hybrid Roles) | Climate Data Analyst, ESG Analyst, GIS Specialist, AI/ML Engineer for Grid Management |
How to Prepare for the Green Transition
This partnership provides a clear roadmap for anyone aspiring to a career in clean energy. To position yourself for success, consider the following steps:
- Follow Official Channels: Keep an eye on announcements from TERI and SCGJ for new courses and certifications. These will be the gold standard for the industry.
- Prioritize Practical Skills: The industry needs “field-ready expertise”. Seek out training that offers hands-on labs and direct industry exposure, which are core to the TERI-SCGJ philosophy.
- Develop Hybrid Skills: If you are an engineering student, supplement your degree with skills in data analytics, AI, or GIS. This blend of domain and digital knowledge will make you a top candidate. For more information on government skilling initiatives, visit the Press Information Bureau.
By creating a standardized national certification system, this initiative also promotes more equitable access to these high-value careers. A formal credential from an SCGJ-affiliated center can help level the playing field, allowing talent from any background or location to demonstrate their skills and secure a role in building India’s sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the TERI-SCGJ partnership?
The main goal is to create a skilled workforce for India’s clean energy sector, especially for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), by developing standardized training, identifying new job roles, and providing industry-recognized certifications to bridge the current skill gap.
What kind of green energy jobs are in high demand in India?
High-demand jobs include BESS technicians, solar installers, wind turbine specialists, and hybrid roles like climate data analysts and ESG specialists. Demand is growing at 20-30% annually, with many opportunities in Tier II and III cities.
How can students prepare for these new green jobs?
Students should focus on practical, hands-on training programs, monitor new courses from TERI and SCGJ, and develop hybrid skills by combining their core engineering knowledge with digital competencies like data analytics, AI, and GIS to meet industry needs.
