The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced detailed guidelines for Indian participants under the European Union (EU)-India joint call for proposals on waste-to-renewable hydrogen innovation. This initiative, launched under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council working group 2, supports collaborative projects focused on converting biogenic waste into renewable hydrogen through biochemical and thermochemical pathways. The call aims to support research actions up to Technology Readiness Level 5 and invites coordinated proposals from Indian and European institutions. The total funding allocated includes Rs 900 million from the MNRE for Indian partners and EUR 10 million from the EU side. A maximum of two projects could be funded with up to Rs 450 million per project and EUR 5 million per project available for Indian and European consortia, respectively. The deadline for Indian proposal submissions on the MNRE research & development (R&D) portal is September 5, 2025, while European participants must submit by September 2, 2025.
To qualify, consortia must include a minimum of three Indian and three European entities from different eligible countries. Indian partners must be distinct legal entities, including academic institutions, government labs, recognised industry associations, and eligible companies. Project durations can range between 36 to 48 months and must align across both Indian and European partners. The MNRE funding will cover up to 100 per cent of approved project costs for public R&D bodies and up to 80 per cent for private sector participants, depending on their classification (startups, small and medium enterprises, or large enterprises) for a period of 36 months. Funding will support costs related to personnel, equipment, consumables, travel, overheads, and other operational needs. Non-recurring costs are capped at 30 per cent of the total project cost. Subcontracting costs are capped at 20 per cent of the Indian budget and must be incurred within India.
Proposal evaluations will follow a joint process based on excellence, impact, and quality of implementation. Indian coordinators are required to submit consolidated and partner-specific budgets in Indian rupees, including justifications, through the MNRE R&D portal. They must also upload a scientific proposal identical to the one submitted on the EU’s Horizon Europe portal. Proposals must be accompanied by certificates from investigators, institutional endorsements, and proof of requested budget. The MNRE reserves the right to reduce requested budgets during evaluation and mandates adherence to General Financial Rules, 2017, with provisions for asset management and progress reporting. All Indian-funded projects must begin by June 2026 and require the signing of consortium agreements covering intellectual property rights and other responsibilities.
