Odisha is preparing to roll out a comprehensive skilling roadmap to develop a workforce for the green hydrogen sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). The initiative aims to equip job seekers and existing workers with the skills required to support the state’s growing clean energy ecosystem.
The state’s Skill Development and Technical Education (SDTE) Department has initiated the process of formulating the roadmap. The Directorate of Skill Development-cum-Employment (DSDE) and the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) have been tasked with preparing a detailed implementation plan, which will be submitted to the Centre for approval.
The proposed strategy will include short-term training programmes for youth and new entrants looking to build careers in the green hydrogen industry. It will also focus on upskilling and reskilling the existing workforce through specialised training and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programmes, enabling experienced workers without formal certifications to have their skills recognised.
In addition, the roadmap will promote on-the-job training, apprenticeship opportunities, long-term skill development programmes and stronger industry partnerships to improve employment prospects. The state also plans to intensify outreach and mobilisation efforts to encourage participation in these programmes.
As part of the initiative, Odisha will identify priority districts and industrial clusters where green hydrogen projects are being developed. The objective is to align training programmes with local employment opportunities in emerging clean energy hubs.
The skilling exercise is being undertaken in line with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s guidelines issued under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was launched in January 2023 with a financial outlay of Rs 19,744 crore. The Centre has asked states to prepare workforce development plans to support projects across the green hydrogen value chain.
Odisha has emerged as an early mover in the sector after becoming the first state to announce a Green Hydrogen Policy.
