Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s transition into a green economy could generate up to 10 lakh jobs over the next decade, but a severe shortage of technically trained workers threatens to limit the state’s ability to capitalise on the opportunity, according to a new study by environment think tank iFOREST.The report titled ‘Odisha’s Green Economy Workforce: Jobs, Skills and Entrepreneurship Opportunities’, released on Thursday, estimates that renewable energy projects, green industries, climate-resilient sectors and sustainable natural resource management could together emerge as major employment generators in the state.While Odisha’s renewable energy targets alone are expected to support nearly 30,000 jobs by 2030, the number could almost double by 2035. In addition, the state’s approved green investment pipeline may create over 48,400 jobs, with significantly higher employment potential across associated value chains.However, the study flags a critical skills deficit. Although Odisha’s labour force participation rate stands at 67.9% and unemployment at 3.3%, both better than the national average, only 3.3% of the working-age population possesses technical education. As per the study, formal vocational training reaches merely 3% of adults.The report also highlights significant opportunities for reskilling workers. It has found that nearly 89% of coal mining job roles assessed could be shifted to metal and critical mineral mining with limited additional training. Similarly, over 75% of thermal power sector roles have moderate-to-high transferability to renewable energy and green hydrogen industries.“We will extend necessary support to advance Odisha’s green-skilling agenda, recognising that green employment opportunities extend beyond renewable energy and industry to include a wider range of environmental and sustainability-oriented occupations,” said Sukanth Pradhan, additional secretary, department of skill development.According to the study, Odisha already has a sizeable skilling ecosystem comprising ITIs, polytechnics, PMKVY centres, Jan Shikshan Sansthans and World Skill Center. Rather than building new institutions, the focus should be on integrating green curricula, upgrading equipment and strengthening industry partnerships.To bridge the gap, iFOREST has recommended launching an Odisha Green Jobs and Skilling Mission, establishing district-level skill councils, modernising technical courses, improving labour market data systems and enabling District Mineral Foundation funds to support green skilling initiatives in mining districts.