Clean tech exports hit ₹54,000 crore; green jobs projected to touch 35 million by 2047
clean energy economy
has created over 5.1 million jobs by the end of 2022-23, up from 3.2 million in 2017-18, reflecting an increase of nearly 1.9 million jobs over five years, a new study by Climate Trends and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has found. The report also states that India's clean energy exports touched ₹54,000 crore in 2022-23, supported by rising shipments in electric vehicles, solar modules, electrolysers and energy efficiency products.
The study, titled 'How Green is India's Economy?', is among the first to provide a comprehensive estimate of green job creation and export activity across sectors including solar, electric mobility, green hydrogen, energy efficiency and bioenergy.
Solar and green hydrogen sectors account for bulk of clean jobs
The solar energy sector accounted for 1.76 million jobs in FY23, the largest share among the five tracked clean energy segments. Green hydrogen, which has grown significantly over the last two years, employed 1.17 million people, overtaking energy efficiency (0.87 million jobs), bioenergy (0.57 million jobs), and electric mobility (0.51 million jobs).
The report attributes the growth in solar employment to expanding utility-scale solar installations and the increasing footprint of rooftop solar in residential and commercial sectors. Employment in green hydrogen has grown as a result of new projects, expansion of R&D, and the ramp-up of domestic electrolyser manufacturing. Despite being in early stages, the hydrogen sector now comprises a fifth of all green employment in India.
CREA and Climate Trends note that these employment figures include direct and indirect jobs—covering roles in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, logistics, supply chains, administration, and training.
Exports of clean technologies cross ₹54,000 crore
India's clean energy export economy has grown substantially, with total estimated exports across the five major sectors reaching ₹54,000 crore in FY23. Solar exports, comprising solar PV cells and modules, were valued at ₹9,300 crore in FY23, up from ₹6,400 crore the previous year. Exports of electric vehicles and related components amounted to ₹11,000 crore. Energy efficiency appliances, including smart meters, contributed ₹5,300 crore, while green hydrogen-related products, including electrolysers and green ammonia derivatives, accounted for ₹1,600 crore.
The report estimates that energy storage systems and advanced batteries added ₹4,000 crore to India's export earnings in the same period. Bioenergy technologies, such as biomass boilers and pellet machines, were also exported, generating ₹2,300 crore in revenue. Cross-cutting products and services associated with clean technology value chains accounted for ₹20,000 crore in additional exports.
Key destinations for clean tech exports
Indian clean energy products were exported to a wide range of destinations, including the United States, European Union, Australia, Middle Eastern countries, and Southeast Asian markets. Indian solar modules found markets in Africa and Latin America, while hydrogen-related technologies and services were directed toward Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. EV components and batteries were primarily exported to Europe and North America.
Green jobs projected to reach 35 million by 2047
The report projects that with the right policy push and sustained investments, green employment could rise to a cumulative 35 million jobs by 2047. The projection is based on India meeting its net-zero emissions goal by 2070 and aligning with decarbonisation targets through greater electrification, clean fuel transitions, and domestic manufacturing.
The study argues that the fastest growth in jobs is expected in green hydrogen, EVs, battery storage, and related digital and recycling services. Jobs are also expected to grow in services that support clean energy adoption—such as grid balancing, installation, software, maintenance and repair.
Employment in fossil fuel-linked sectors remains static
While clean energy jobs grew 56 per cent from 2018 to 2023, employment in fossil fuel-based power generation remained nearly stagnant during the same period. The report places fossil fuel power generation jobs at around 1.1 million in FY23, nearly the same as in 2017-18. The report estimates an additional 1 million people were engaged in fossil fuel transportation and distribution (including coal logistics, fuel delivery, and OMC retail), mostly in informal or contract-based roles.
Policy alignment critical for scaling up
The authors of the report underline that India's climate and energy policies—such as PLI schemes, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, domestic manufacturing targets, and EV incentives—will be instrumental in furthering job creation. They also point to the need for improved job tracking, skills development and employment quality data across clean energy segments.
The report was released days ahead of expected policy announcements related to India's energy transition and coincides with growing global attention on clean job creation and just transition financing in emerging economies.
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