Introduction: AI and Solar Energy – A Perfect Synergy
India, the world’s third largest energy consumer, ranks fourth in renewable energy capacity, largely including hydro and wind power, and fifth in solar capacity. This significant progress underscores the country’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
In particular, solar energy has witnessed tremendous growth, with solar capacity soaring up to 30 times in the past 9 years reaching 85.47 GW as of June 2024, reflecting the growing focus on sustainable energy, especially in the solar energy sector which now is headed for becoming a cornerstone of India’s renewable strategy. Following the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision of making India a global leader in the renewable energy domain, the integration of AI which has gained immense recognition and increasing dominance across various fields and sectors. This can potentially revolutionise the renewable energy sector in India. AI technologies like machine learning and predictive analysis have proven to be a transformative power in energy systems enhancing efficiency, optimising renewable resources, improving energy storage, and automating grid management.
India’s goal is to achieve 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and AI plays a significant role in improving solar panel performance, managing energy storage and for forecasting energy needs. The aim to derive 50% of its power from renewables, makes AI enabled solar training programs crucial, equipping young professionals with the skills needed to operate and innovate these advanced technologies. These programs are carefully crafted to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the solar energy sector, with training in areas such as solar panel optimization and data analysis, thereby playing a key role in India’s goal of creating approximately 300,000 new jobs by 2027.
How AI-powered training addresses the skill gap in the solar energy sector
The solar energy sector has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, driving a significant increase in demand for skilled professionals. As the industry continues to expand, the need for experts in solar installation, maintenance, and management is greater than ever.
By automating certain complex processes, AI can help in enhancing training, and improving operational efficiencies. It can bridge the skill gap in India’s solar sector by offering personalised training through data-driven modules and virtual simulations. AI-powered tools provide interactive learning experiences in solar panel installation and maintenance, while optimising operations by predicting maintenance needs and automating tasks. This approach would make the training more accessible and creates a skilled, efficient workforce for the expanding solar industry
Innovative Learning and Market Alignment
AI can pinpoint areas where employees need further development, create customised training programs tailored to individual needs, and offer valuable workforce insights. This includes the use of virtual simulations, interactive modules, and real-time feedback to enhance the learning experience. Given the solar energy industry’s constant evolution with new technologies and practices, AI-driven training programs can align with industry needs and emerging technologies, facilitating continuous learning and adaptability. Customised training approaches improve employability and career trajectories by ensuring that employees remain current with the latest industry trends. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and integrating cutting-edge advancements into training, organisations can better equip their workforce for future challenges.
Testimonials and data on employment rates post-training.
3 case studies undertaken by the Nielsen Norman Group, find that employees were much more efficient at performing their job with AI assistance than without AI tools. More cognitively demanding tasks benefited the most from AI’s aid. On average, across the three studies, generative AI tools increased output by 66%
Estimates of potential job displacement and creation linked to AI
The rapid advancement of AI and automation is reshaping various sectors. According to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute, automation could displace up to 800 million jobs by 2030, with 375 million requiring substantial retraining. Additionally, a report from the World Economic Forum predicts that AI and machine learning will create 133 million new jobs by 2022 while displacing 75 million.
While automation could displace millions of jobs, AI technologies are also poised to create new opportunities. This dynamic is particularly relevant to India, where AI-enabled solar training programs have the potential to bridge the skills gap and address youth unemployment. As AI transforms industries like manufacturing, finance, and healthcare by boosting efficiency, similar effects can be observed in the renewable energy sector.
Incorporating AI-driven solutions in solar energy training not only equips the workforce with in-demand technical skills but also aligns with the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. With the need for higher-level skills becoming more pronounced, these training programs provide young individuals with the necessary tools to navigate a job market increasingly dominated by complex, tech-driven roles. By fostering job creation in emerging fields like AI-enabled solar energy, India can reduce the risk of displacement and ensure that its workforce remains competitive in the evolving employment landscape.
Global comparative analysis
India
India’s efforts in incorporating AI with solar energy to enhance efficiency and create new job opportunities for the youth can be seen in the substantial investments and rapid expansion of its market size. An increasing array of Indian companies are offering such programs, contributing to India’s sustainable energy goals. The solar training market in India which was valued at 500 crores in 2022, is expected to expand to 2000 crores by 2027, growing at a rate of 25% according to India’s Solar Tracker Market Report 2022. The AI-enabled solar training domain to be precise, alone valued at 100 crores back in 2022 has been predicted to grow to 500 crores, with a CAGR of 35%. Some of leading players of this expansion are Renew Power, Tata Solar Power, L&T Construction & Mining Machinery, alongside upcoming firms like SuncastSolar India and SmartHelio India and major drivers of these programs are the growing demand of skilled individuals, government support, advancements in AI and solar energy sector.
However, these programs are designed to contribute to a broader strategy aimed at improving India’s solar energy sector and integrating AI technologies into the field.
United States
According to the report “AI for energy” by the Department of energy 25% of companies in the US put AI technologies to use for predictive maintenance, the other 20% for energy forecasting for skill acquisition and enhancement, with a strong focus on meeting the growing demand for trained professionals in the solar energy sector.
China
CNREC states 35% of the electricity generation in China comes from solar energy, with a growth rate of 20% per year. A lot of energy companies provide AI training and have dedicated AI research teams.
European Union
EU’s “Energy Union” strategy gives significant emphasis on AI, initiatives like the “AI4 Energy” project and training for skilled workers in the energy sector, majorly renewable energy like solar, wind hydro.
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