A recent study by WalkWater Talent Advisors, has revealed a pressing leadership talent crisis within the country’s burgeoning renewable energy sector. As India aims to increase its non-fossil energy production capacity to 500 GW by 2030 under the Panchamrit plan and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, the sector is struggling to find the skilled leadership necessary to meet these ambitious targets.
The study, which surveyed 65 organisations and tracked the movement of 204 CXOs over the past three years, highlights a significant gap between the demand for and supply of experienced professionals in the renewable energy industry. The findings indicate that while the sector has onboarded a considerable number of leadership positions since 2021—56% of which were Chief Operating Officers (COOs), followed by Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) at 47% and Chief Business Development Officers (CBDOs) at 45%—the preference for candidates with prior renewable energy experience is constraining the influx of fresh ideas and perspectives.
Kunal Girap, Co-Founder and Director of WalkWater Talent Advisors, commented on the findings: “India’s renewable energy sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with organisations witnessing a surge in orders that are fueling rapid expansion. However, the talent pool, particularly in leadership, has not kept pace with this growth. This mismatch threatens the sector’s capacity to capitalise on the market’s potential. To sustain growth and achieve Panchamrit goals, it is essential for the industry to adopt a more inclusive approach to talent acquisition, considering candidates from cross-sector backgrounds and investing in targeted leadership development programs.”
The study also reveals that cross-sector movement in leadership roles remains limited, particularly among CEOs (7%), COOs (12%), and CBDOs (14%), suggesting an underutilisation of talent from allied industries. However, CFO roles exhibited a higher rate of cross-sector movement at 42%, indicating a more flexible approach in financial leadership recruitment.
In response to these challenges, WalkWater Talent Advisors has developed a talent grid map recommending that the renewable energy sector consider talent from allied industries such as construction, real estate, petroleum, power, and automotive for roles in project management, business development, regulatory affairs, and more. For instance, professionals from the construction and real estate sectors could bring valuable expertise in project planning, vendor management, and budget planning to renewable energy projects, while those from the automotive and power industries could contribute skills in environmental regulations and policy advocacy.
Vidya Venkataramani, Senior Consultant at WalkWater Talent Advisors, emphasised the urgency of addressing the talent gap: “Our study underscores a significant shortage of skilled professionals in specialised roles such as project management, business development, and regulatory affairs within India’s renewable energy sector. This shortage is intensified by the sector’s rapid growth and increasing project complexities. To address this challenge, organisations must expand their talent acquisition strategies to include professionals from allied industries and invest in targeted skill-building and leadership initiatives. Such measures will not only address the current talent gap but also build a new cadre of leaders poised to drive sustainable innovation and growth in this critical sector.”
As India’s renewable energy sector continues to expand, addressing the leadership talent shortage will be crucial to achieving the country’s long-term sustainability goals and maintaining its momentum in the global shift toward clean energy.
