India’s cleantech sector is witnessing a sharp rise in employment opportunities as the country records another year of strong renewable energy capacity additions. The growing momentum in solar, wind, and energy storage projects is driving companies to expand their workforce to support large-scale deployments and advanced technology integration. According to a report by CIEL HR Services, hiring in India’s cleantech sector rose by 57% between November 2023 and November 2025, reflecting the industry’s rapid expansion and growing demand for specialised talent.
Cleantech Sector Expands Across Multiple Industries
The report defines the cleantech sector broadly, covering companies operating in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, green transportation, and carbon capture technologies. As these segments continue to grow, companies are increasingly seeking professionals with expertise in both engineering and digital technologies, highlighting the evolving nature of the industry.
Capacity Expansion and Digital Technologies Drive Hiring
Industry leaders say the surge in hiring is largely driven by capacity expansion projects and the integration of advanced digital technologies across operations. B. Preetha, Vice-President – HR and Automation at Swelect Energy Systems, noted that hiring is no longer limited to traditional engineering roles. Instead, companies now require professionals with specialised digital and analytical skills. She explained that AI and digital capabilities are increasingly essential not only in product development but also in functions such as marketing, energy forecasting, supply chain management, and operational efficiency. “Our hiring plans are considering the impact of emerging technologies, ensuring that they are integrated into our current operations as well as our long-term strategy,” Preetha said.
Demand Rising for Specialised Technical Roles
The renewable energy sector is experiencing strong demand for specialised technical professionals. According to Preetha, Swelect Energy Systems has witnessed a 30–35% rise in hiring for high-demand rolesThese roles are critical for supporting the rapid scaling of renewable energy projects across India.
Start-ups Accelerate Hiring in Energy Storage
Start-ups working in emerging technologies are also expanding their teams rapidly. Priyansh Mohan, Co-founder and CEO of Meine Electric, a company developing iron-air based energy storage solutions, highlighted the growing demand for advanced engineering roles. He noted that companies are increasingly seeking product designers responsible for battery architecture and power electronics engineers who develop power conversion systems for energy storage technologies. As Meine Electric scales its operations, the company has increased its headcount by nearly 75% year-on-year, reflecting strong growth in the energy storage segment.
Talent Shortage Remains a Key Challenge
Despite the surge in hiring, industry leaders acknowledge that talent shortages remain a major challenge, particularly in specialised areas such as energy storage technologies and digital integration. Mohan stressed the need for initiatives that expose engineering students early to battery chemistries, applied engineering techniques, and advanced manufacturing processes. Such exposure could help bridge the skill gap and prepare the next generation of cleantech professionals. Preetha emphasized the importance of continuous upskilling, noting that rapid technological advancements require professionals to constantly update their knowledge and technical capabilities.
Shorter Employee Tenure Reflects Fast-Growing Industry
The CIEL report also highlights an interesting workforce trend within the cleantech sector. Because many companies are still in growth or scale-up phases, the median employee tenure stands at around 2.7 years. Employees are often hired for specific stages of development, such as product innovation, pilot projects, or early-stage manufacturing. Once these phases are completed, professionals frequently move to new opportunities within the rapidly expanding clean energy ecosystem.
Outlook: Strong Talent Demand Ahead
With India continuing to expand its renewable energy capacity and invest in next-generation technologies, demand for skilled professionals in the cleantech sector is expected to remain strong. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as companies integrate AI, digital analytics, advanced materials, and energy storage technologies, the industry will increasingly require multidisciplinary talent capable of driving innovation and supporting India’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
