As India’s renewable energy sector accelerates towards its 2030 target of 500 GW, preparing a future-ready workforce is more critical than ever. Hero Future Energies (HFE) is actively addressing this by aligning its talent strategies with the evolving demands of the sector.

In an exclusive conversation, Bhawna Mittal, CHRO, at Hero Future Energies, discusses how the company is bridging the skills gap, advancing diversity, and future-proofing its people through innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Skilling for growth: Building a talent pipeline

“With the renewable energy sector projected to generate 5–6 lakh direct jobs by 2027, we are strengthening engagement with academic institutions and specialised training partners to ensure incoming talent is equipped with future-forward capabilities,” Bhawna shares.

These collaborations focus on curriculum enhancement and R&D, while internal mentorship programs ensure knowledge transfer and practical skilling within the organisation. “Grooming internal mentors is a key priority,” she adds.

In-Demand roles and emerging hiring trends

The demand for talent spans a wide spectrum — from solar PV technicians and wind energy engineers to energy auditors and sustainability leads. Particularly, the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) segment is driving hiring for roles such as:

• Energy Managers
• Sustainability Specialists
• Renewable Energy Procurement Experts

Specialised capabilities in solar/wind design, power trading, energy storage, digital energy systems, and climate finance are becoming essential.

“Increasing representation of women in core operations is another area of focus, supported by targeted hiring, mentorship, and leadership development programs,” Bhawna adds. The organisation has set a target of 30% female representation by 2030, up from the current 14%.

Bridging the talent gap with strategic initiatives

To counter the talent-supply mismatch, HFE is taking a multi-pronged approach. Campus recruitment drives, robust L&D programs, and tailored career growth pathways are central to the company's strategy.

“We follow the philosophy of ‘Hire for attitude, train for skills,’ and back this with equal access to learning opportunities at all levels,” Bhawna explains. “From continuous learning programs across solar and wind verticals to higher education sponsorships, we are deeply committed to capability building.”

Future-proofing employees through continuous learning

Echoing the World Economic Forum's insight that 59% of the global workforce will require retraining by 2030, HFE is adopting a forward-thinking approach to ensure its people remain future-ready.

“We blend technical upskilling, digital capability building, and leadership development to create a workforce that’s agile, adaptable, and equipped to deliver impact,” Bhawna notes.

High-potential employees and future leaders are provided with structured development plans, tailored to individual aspirations and business needs. “Our focus is not just on filling skill gaps, but on empowering people to lead change in a rapidly evolving industry.”

Driving Inclusion in Skilling

A core part of HFE’s skilling strategy is building an inclusive, equitable workforce, with special emphasis on increasing women’s participation in operational and technical roles.

“Diversity is not an afterthought for us; it’s a deliberate strategy,” says Bhawna. From mentorship programs and onboarding initiatives to leadership training, every effort is directed toward creating a vibrant, innovative, and resilient talent pool.

Embracing AI, automation, and digital tools

Technology plays a transformative role in HFE’s workforce strategy. One standout initiative is the ‘Chairman’s Challenge’, a platform introduced by Chairman Rahul Munjal that encourages employees to identify real business challenges and co-create innovative solutions.

“We’re actively driving the adoption of AI, automation, and digital tools — from predictive maintenance in solar and wind assets to digital project management systems that improve efficiency,” Bhawna explains.

Training sessions and workshops on AI and digital tools are regularly conducted to align employees with the company’s broader innovation agenda.

HFE’s collaboration with LinkedIn Learning further expands access to curated, role-specific learning opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous growth.

A culture of collaboration and lifelong learning

From microlearning platforms and cross-functional exposure to internal mobility, HFE fosters an environment that encourages career growth and knowledge sharing. Employees are supported to move fluidly across business units, gaining broader perspectives and deeper expertise.

The company also partners with academic institutions and industry bodies to deliver expert-led workshops in emerging domains like digital energy systems, green hydrogen, and sustainability practices.

The Road Ahead: Purpose, passion, and agility

As the renewable energy sector evolves at breakneck speed, Bhawna has a clear message for young professionals: “Stay curious, be agile, and embrace lifelong learning.”

She emphasises the need to explore cross-functional experiences, hone multidimensional thinking, and above all, lead with purpose.

“This is a mission-driven industry. Those who bring passion to their work and stay committed to the larger goal of sustainability will be the ones to drive lasting change.”