New Delhi: Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), has reiterated the crucial importance of green education and skilling in advancing India’s clean energy transition. Addressing the 7th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE), organized by the Mobius Foundation at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Mr. Das emphasized the need for dedicated green skilling centres of excellence to equip India’s workforce for the nearly 3 million green jobs anticipated by 2030.
Green Skills: A Cornerstone for India’s Clean Energy Future
In his keynote address, Mr. Das noted that the transition to renewable energy is not solely dependent on technology and capital, but also on the availability of a highly skilled and adaptive workforce. He stressed that preparing for the future of work in the green sector will be essential for meeting national goals and securing India’s place as a global clean energy leader.
“Realizing India’s renewable energy targets and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 will require both massive capital inflows and skilled human resources,” he said.
IREDA Goes Fully Digital and Collaborates with Premier Institutes
Highlighting IREDA’s internal strides toward sustainability, Mr. Das announced that the organization has become a fully paperless institution, reflecting its commitment to eco-friendly operations and digital transformation.
He also shared that IREDA is actively collaborating with academic institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to establish a knowledge bank focused on fostering innovation, research, and green skilling. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, nurturing a new generation of professionals equipped to lead India’s renewable revolution.
Significant Impact Through Financing and Job Creation
To date, IREDA has financed over 27 GW of renewable energy projects, playing a pivotal role in the sector’s growth. These investments have not only contributed to India’s renewable energy capacity but have also had a tangible socio-economic impact, generating an estimated 6,00,000 construction jobs and 50,000 long-term operations and maintenance jobs.
“Our mission extends beyond financing renewable energy,” Mr. Das explained. “It includes building the broader ecosystem of knowledge, skills, and community development that will sustain the clean energy transition in the long run.”
Collective Action: A Call to All Stakeholders
Mr. Das made a strong appeal for collective and coordinated action involving the government, industry, finance sector, academia, and civil society. He emphasized that collaboration across sectors is vital to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready green economy.
This call to action reflects IREDA’s belief that a holistic and inclusive approach is necessary to address the multiple dimensions of sustainability—economic, environmental, and social.
Youth Engagement and Community Outreach Through Seva Pakhwada
As part of the nationwide Seva Pakhwada initiative, IREDA has launched a series of green energy education and awareness programs across multiple schools in the Delhi-NCR region. These initiatives are designed to engage young minds, build environmental consciousness, and inspire future leaders in clean energy and sustainability.
Through these programs, IREDA aims to instill awareness and responsibility among students, encouraging them to take an active role in India’s green future.
CSR: Supporting Sustainable Development Beyond Energy
In addition to its core mission of financing renewable energy projects, IREDA is deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The organization has undertaken impactful initiatives in healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure, aligning with national development goals and ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach every segment of society.
By integrating CSR with its business objectives, IREDA ensures that the clean energy transition contributes to inclusive growth and social upliftment.
A Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Mr. Das concluded by reaffirming IREDA’s long-term vision to support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned under the Viksit Bharat framework. He expressed confidence that with sustained investments in innovation, education, and partnerships, India can not only meet but exceed its renewable energy targets.
About IREDA
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) is a Mini-Ratna (Category – I) Government of India Enterprise under the administrative control of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It plays a crucial role in financing and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across India.
