The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a call for proposals under the “Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies – Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic” as part of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) programme. The call for proposals seek to promote research and development of circular economy approaches across solar and battery technologies, focusing on minimising waste, enhancing sustainability, strengthening supply chains, and aligning with global climate goals. Proposals must fall under one or more of the three themes: design and manufacturing innovations, second-life use and recycling innovations, and operational management innovations. Applications will remain open from June 23, 2025, to July 15, 2025. Projects can have a maximum duration of two years, with extension subject to case-to-case basis as per MNRE’s discretion.
Eligible innovations are categorised by technology readiness levels (TRLs). Proof of concept innovations (TRL 1–3) may receive up to Rs 1 million or 50 per cent of the total project cost, whichever is lower. Potential innovations (TRL 4–5) are eligible for up to Rs 3 million or 50 per cent of the total project cost, whichever is lower. Proven innovations (TRL 6 and above) may receive up to Rs 20 million or 50 per cent of the total project cost, whichever is lower, subject to a total funding cap of Rs 100 million. Financial support is intended for TRL upgrades in the proof-of-concept and potential innovations category, and for pilot demonstrations in the proven innovations category. Selected innovators must provide documentation validating their proposed TRL levels and ensure that financial support is used exclusively for the approved activities.
Proposals will be evaluated based on relevance, technical merit, innovation, scalability, commercial potential, and sustainability. All applicants must be fully India-based, including development and testing facilities, certifications, and regulatory compliance. Monitoring of selected projects will be conducted through MNRE-empanelled project monitoring committees, and periodic technical and financial reports are required. Intellectual property rights will follow clause V of the RE-RTD scheme guidelines. The MNRE reserves the right to terminate projects for misuse of funds or inadequate progress and may amend terms and conditions at its discretion.
