The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved the continuation of its Human Resource Development (HRD) Programme for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total financial allocation of ₹258.83 crore. The programme is aimed at creating a skilled workforce to support India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector and its target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Of the total allocation, ₹200 crore will fund new activities over the next five years, while ₹58.83 crore will be used to meet financial commitments from previous HRD programmes.
The initiative will focus on developing skills across the renewable energy value chain, including project installation, operations and maintenance, research, technology and policy development.
Training and Skill Development
MNRE plans to provide around 7 lakh man-days of training, benefiting approximately 12,500 people. Existing programmes such as Suryamitra, Vayumitra, Varunmitra, Jal Urja Mitra and Biomitra will be expanded across India to provide specialised training in solar, wind, solar pumping, small hydro and bio-energy.
The ministry will also introduce hyper-localised training programmes in 100 districts with significant renewable energy potential or existing installations. These will include short-term courses, upskilling programmes and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for experienced workers seeking formal certification.
Fellowships and Internships
To encourage research and higher education, the programme will offer 165 National Renewable Energy Fellowships over five years for M.Tech, Ph.D. and post-doctoral research.
MNRE will also provide 250 internships, offering students from engineering, science, law and management backgrounds a monthly stipend of ₹20,000. Industry placements of four to 12 months will help connect academic research with practical industry requirements.
Upgrading Training Infrastructure
The programme includes funding for renewable energy education and training infrastructure:
- 10 higher education institutions — grants of up to ₹1 crore each for laboratory upgrades.
- 50 ITIs and polytechnics — grants of up to ₹40 lakh each for specialised equipment, solar panels and wind-energy models.
- Pilot model classrooms — equipped with simulation software and SCADA tools.
- 5 Renewable Energy Chairs — established at premier universities with grants of ₹2 crore each.
MNRE will also develop a digital learning platform for virtual renewable-energy training and introduce a Trainee-Employer Connect portal to connect certified workers with employers, apprenticeships and job opportunities.
Overall, the programme is designed to strengthen India’s renewable-energy workforce by combining technical training, higher education, research, modern training infrastructure and employment opportunities.
