POWERCON’s CORE and YCMOU Partner to Train India’s Clean Energy Workforce

In a major step toward building India’s renewable energy workforce, the POWERCON Group’s Centre of Renewable Energy (CORE) has partnered with Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) to launch specialised education programs in clean energy technologies.

Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the firm aims to equip professionals and students with industry-relevant skills in solar, wind, energy storage, electric vehicles, and hydrogen technologies.

With 12 specialised courses set to roll out by May 2025, the initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. As the country moves toward its net-zero emissions goal by 2070, industry estimates suggest that the Indian renewable sector alone will require over 1.8 million skilled workers by 2030, translating to 200,000 new job opportunities annually over the next six years, along with reskilling and upskilling requirements for half of them.

The partnership aligns with key national initiatives, including the National Solar Mission, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, and Green Hydrogen Mission, ensuring that training programs meet industry demands and government mandates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Skill India.

The career-orientated courses will provide students with hands-on training in state-of-the-art clean energy technologies. Upon completion, participants will be certified as Wind, Solar, or Renewable Energy (RE) Commandos, signifying their expertise and readiness to contribute to India’s green energy revolution.

YCMOU, one of the world’s largest open universities, offers over 120 academic programs and enrols more than 600,000 students annually. The institution is known for its flexible learning approach, catering to individuals from remote areas, working professionals, and those seeking career advancement.

Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Sonawane, Vice-Chancellor of YCMOU, emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, "By collaborating with CORE, we are introducing specialised programs that directly support India's renewable energy targets. As a digital university and mass varsity, YCMOU ensures accessibility to these programs beyond geographical boundaries, accelerating the development of a skilled workforce in the clean energy sector."

CORE, a non-profit initiative under the POWERCON Group, provides clean energy education and training through a practical, industry-driven approach. Its advanced infrastructure includes wind, solar, and hybrid simulators, along with remote command, control, and energy management facilities. The institution focuses on equipping students with the technical and operational skills necessary to thrive in an open-field work environment.

Praveen Kakulte, CEO of the POWERCON Group, highlighted the initiative’s impact on employment opportunities, stating, "India’s transition to clean energy depends on a future-ready workforce. This partnership enables students and professionals to acquire industry-specific skills, university-certified qualifications, and direct employability in the global RE sector."

In addition to academic courses, the MoU facilitates internships, faculty exchanges, and job placements, ensuring practical exposure to real-world renewable energy projects. The collaboration between POWERCON Group’s CORE and YCMOU is a crucial step in shaping a workforce capable of driving India’s clean energy ambitions.