The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has has extended the deadline for submission of R&D proposals under National Green Hydrogen Mission till April 27th, 2024. A press release was also issued on this extension on April 9, 2024.
It may be recalled that MNRE had issued guidelines that outlined an R&D scheme. The scheme aimed at making green hydrogen technologies more affordable, efficient, and reliable.
The R&D scheme prioritizes the following aspects:
- Cost Reduction: Making green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization more economical.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Improving the efficiency, safety, and reliability of green hydrogen technologies across the value chain.
- Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships among industry, academia, and government to create a robust innovation ecosystem for green hydrogen solutions.
- Scaling Up Technologies: Providing policy and regulatory support to facilitate the scaling up and commercialization of promising green hydrogen technologies.
Scheme Details and Funding:
- Budget: The scheme boasts a total budget of Rs. 400 crore allocated until the financial year 2025-26.
- Project Scope: The R&D program encompasses all aspects of the green hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation, and utilization.
- Project Selection: Supported projects will be goal-oriented, time-bound, and demonstrate scalability potential.
- Eligibility: The scheme welcomes proposals from various entities, including established industries, research institutions, innovative MSMEs, and promising startups working on indigenous technology development.
The initial call for proposals, issued on March 16th, 2024, has received positive interest. To ensure wider participation and allow more time for crafting high-quality proposals, the MNRE has extended the deadline for submission to April 27, 2024.
Overall Significance:
This R&D scheme, a key component of the National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in January 2023 with a total outlay of Rs. 19,744 crore. It seeks to foster innovation and cost reduction, and pave the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
