India could unlock a transformative economic opportunity through the rapid expansion of its green economy, attracting $4.1 trillion (₹360 lakh crore) in cumulative investments and creating 48 million (4.8 crore) full-time equivalent jobs by 2047, according to a landmark assessment by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The report outlines a comprehensive roadmap for building a sustainable, future-ready economic ecosystem aligned with India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.
Study identifies 36 high-potential green value chains
Described as the first national-scale assessment of its kind, the study highlights 36 green value chains spread across four broad domains: energy transition, circular economy, bio-economy and nature-based solutions. These sectors, it notes, represent one of the largest untapped economic opportunities available to India as it seeks to decarbonise its industries, modernise mobility systems and strengthen rural livelihoods.
To guide national planning, CEEW has launched the Green Economy Council (GEC) — chaired by former G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. Other members include Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras, Srivardhini K. Jha of NSRCEL–IIM Bangalore, and Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW.
Abhishek Jain, Director for Green Economy & Impact Innovations at CEEW, emphasised that the shift towards a green economy would not only generate employment and economic prosperity but also strengthen India’s future resource security.
“It will help us secure the fuels and resources of the future, making us Atmanirbhar,” he noted.
Energy transition to drive $3.8 trillion investment
The analysis projects that energy transition alone could generate 16.6 million FTE jobs and draw $3.8 trillion in investments across renewable energy, battery storage, distributed energy systems and clean mobility manufacturing.
Among these, electric mobility is set to become the single-largest employer within the green economy. CEEW estimates that more than 57% of all energy-transition employment will stem from EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure development, maintenance services and associated supply chains.
This trend holds particular relevance for Karnataka, a state with thriving EV manufacturing, semiconductor production and clean energy innovation clusters. Bengaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi–Dharwad have emerged as key hubs for green mobility research, making the state well-positioned to harness emerging opportunities.
Bio-economy and nature-based solutions to power rural livelihoods
The study also highlights the tremendous potential of the bio-economy and nature-based sectors, predicting 23 million jobs and $415 billion in market value by 2047. These segments are anchored primarily in India’s rural and peri-urban regions, with strong linkages to agriculture, forestry, wetland restoration and community-led ecological initiatives.
Key job-generating value chains include:
- Chemical-free agriculture and bio-input production
- Agroforestry systems and timber value chains
- Sustainable forest and wetland management
For Karnataka, where community farming traditions remain strong across the coastal, Malnad and northern districts, these value chains could significantly enhance income security while supporting climate-resilient development.
Circular economy to strengthen MSMEs and recycling ecosystems
India’s expanding circular economy, which focuses on waste reduction, materials recovery and product life-extension, is projected to generate $132 billion in annual economic output and create 8.4 million FTE jobs. Growth sectors include waste collection, recycling, repair, refurbishment and advanced material recovery.
This segment has direct implications for Karnataka’s large network of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Cities such as Mangaluru, Udupi and Bengaluru already operate robust recycling ecosystems, while new start-ups in waste-tech and sustainability continue to emerge.
CEEW’s report stresses that the circular economy represents one of the green sector’s strongest linkages with MSMEs, cooperatives and community enterprises — sectors that collectively form the backbone of India’s employment generation.
A defining opportunity for India’s development pathway
Releasing the study, CEEW noted that the combined potential across all green value chains represents a defining economic opportunity for India over the next two decades. As the country strengthens its climate commitments, expands clean manufacturing and prioritises resource-efficient growth, the green economy could become a central pillar of national economic strategy.
For policymakers, industry leaders and state governments — including Karnataka, which continues to lead in innovation and green manufacturing — the report offers a detailed blueprint for job creation, investment attraction and sustainable development.