India’s Clean Energy Market Demands Bridging The Skill Gap

By Author: AtmosPower
Total Articles: 6
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The impact of carbon foot-print on our environment is quite evident. Today, renewable and clean energy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for our planet. Clean energy solutions such as huge biogas plants and decentralized units in urban areas which happen to be denser than rural areas. Biogas sector has a huge potential to help reduce energy gaps; however, bridging the skill gap is a big challenge which is required to be acknowledged.

Indian government’s much talked about SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative aims at encouraging the use of biogas plants in India. The initiative is looking at setting up 5000 bio-cng plants in the next half a decade. India will need a huge number of skilled people in the next few years to bridge the skill gap. By 2023 India will need about 75000 skilled people inclusive of site engineers, plant designers and low skilled technicians. That’s not it, as the other related sectors will also need skilled people to help small and medium scale segments ...
... flourish.

A survey was conducted by Indian Biogas Association in order to assess the key skills needed in various phases of a biogas project from the word go. The survey assessment kept in mind the key skills as well as the training required. Apparently, the survey was aimed at alleviating the skill gap in the biogas sector in the coming years. About 5000 skilled personnel will be needed on an annual basis just to monitor the performance of these plants. Besides, 25000 more skilled workers will be needed on an annual basis for performing low skill operations.

Key skills needed for manufacturing in biogas sector

About 84 percent of participants opined in the survey that bio-fertilizer enhancement is the key to its increased marketability. According to about 60 percent of participants research and development is one crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked.

Business development aspect

On-field technicians and operators highlighted the importance of operational training on O&M, SOP, data logging, and related troubleshooting practices. They said that frequent training programs are essential to keep the skilled people abreast of the latest developments and maintenance needs. The training must be easy to comprehend from practicality point of view, said the interviewed operators.

University Programs

Many Indian universities have already started offering post-graduate courses on numerous renewable. The number of biogas specific optional courses is on a lower side though. Biogas plant manufacturers in India say that the growth of interest in renewable energy is one vital objective which has encouraged many universities to start aligning their courses under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

The future of biogas upgradation system seems pretty promising as setting up 5000 biogas plants in India and the target of hiring skilled people seems achievable.