Why Must IITs and IIMs Lead Renewable Energy Education for a Sustainable Future?

Are India’s leading educational institutions—like IITs and IIMs—prepared to lead the charge in transforming the nation’s renewable energy landscape? With India’s ambitious goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and sourcing 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030, the answer is clear: these institutions must step up and shape the next generation of leaders in the green economy.

The Renewable Energy Talent Gap

India’s renewable energy sector is on the cusp of exponential growth. According to a Gartner report, the global renewable energy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2030. However, despite the huge potential, there is a significant gap in skilled professionals, from mid-management executives to ground-level technicians.

This shortage poses a serious threat to India's ambitious renewable energy targets, including achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. In fact, a recent Statista analysis found that India could generate over 35 million green jobs by 2047. But these roles are often going unfilled due to the lack of adequately trained professionals. The time has come for premier educational institutions like IITs and IIMs to fill this gap.

The Need for Specialized Renewable Energy Courses

At present, very few institutions in India offer comprehensive, dedicated courses in renewable energy. While universities like UPES Dehradun and NPTI have some programs in solar energy and related fields, the broader educational framework is still underdeveloped. IITs and IIMs, known for producing the country’s top engineers and managers, are in a unique position to lead the way. These institutions can create specialized programs focused not only on the technical aspects of renewable energy but also on policy, management, and consulting roles that are equally critical to the sector’s growth.

A deeper integration of renewable energy into the academic mainstream would encourage students to pursue careers in sustainable energy, just as they currently flock to industries like IT, AI, and finance. Specialized degrees and courses that blend technical knowledge with leadership skills could meet the growing demands of the renewable sector.

For instance, programs like the BVoc in Solar Energy offered by Jamia Millia Islamia prepare students for crucial roles in solar panel manufacturing, design, and project management. However, scaling such efforts nationwide requires a major educational overhaul to develop a robust green workforce capable of meeting the industry’s diverse needs.

Gender Diversity: A Critical Missing Element

One of the most pressing issues in India’s renewable energy sector is the gender gap. According to a 2024 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), while women make up 32% of the global clean energy workforce, in India, this figure drops to a mere 11%. The underrepresentation of women is not only a social issue but also an economic one, hindering innovation and growth. To build a sustainable future, India must actively encourage gender diversity within the green workforce, with institutions like IITs and IIMs playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs to promote women’s participation in renewable energy careers.

The Role of Government and Private Sector Collaboration

The Indian government has rolled out several initiatives like the Surya Mitra Skill Development Programme to train technicians in rural areas, and the PM Surya Ghar MuftBijli Yojana aimed at encouraging solar energy entrepreneurship. However, these initiatives need to be coupled with more robust academic collaborations and private sector investments. Only by creating synergies between the government, academia, and industry can India ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals to support its renewable energy growth.

Key Takeaways for a Green Future

Incorporate Renewable Energy into Core Curricula: Leading institutions like IITs and IIMs should integrate renewable energy into mainstream education, offering specialized courses and programs to equip students with the skills needed to drive the green transition.

Focus on Gender Diversity: The future of renewable energy must be inclusive. Policies should aim to increase the representation of women in the sector to foster a diverse and innovative workforce.

Enhance Infrastructure and Labs: Investment in cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities will attract top-tier talent and promote innovation in renewable energy solutions.

Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and the private sector will be essential to create a skilled and diverse workforce capable of meeting India’s renewable energy goals.

Raise Awareness and Interest: Renewable energy should be marketed as an exciting and impactful career path, akin to careers in IT or finance, to attract top talent.

Conclusion

India’s renewable energy sector has immense potential, but it cannot achieve its ambitious goals without a skilled, diverse, and innovative workforce. Leading institutions like IITs and IIMs must rise to the occasion, providing the specialized education needed to fill the talent gap. By integrating renewable energy into core curricula, focusing on gender diversity, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaborations, these institutions can play a crucial role in shaping India’s green energy future. With the right education and policy interventions, India can lead the world in sustainable energy innovation and create a greener, more inclusive economy for generations to come.