The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a call for research, development, and demonstration projects that can identify and resolve significant challenges in digital transformation for the green energy transition.

DST is a nodal department for promoting science and technology activities in the country and operates within the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology. Among other initiatives, it funds scientific research and international science engagement by Indian researchers.

The deadline to submit proposals is February 17, 2021. Projects are scheduled to start before June 15, 2022.

DST has announced funding of €1 million (~$1.19 million) for the Indian project partners.

The call, launched in collaboration with Joint Programming Platform ERA-Net Smart Energy System and Mission Innovation, invites global projects, enhancing the implementation, adaption, and knowledge creation of digital solutions in power systems and networks.

Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions that can advance the green energy transition in all sectors. The new value chains developed are expected to drive job opportunities and sustainable financial growth.

ERA-Net Smart Energy Systems is a multinational joint programming platform of 30 nationals and regionals funding partners, aiming to co-create energy system innovations for executing smart energy systems.

Mission Innovation is a global initiative of 24 nations and the European Commission that works to boost clean energy innovation.

The funded projects will benefit from being part of a global innovation network. They will receive support from a network of associated partners to take the projects from the proposal phase to market uptake. Besides, the international community will allow the exchange of knowledge with other energy experts to bring project results to a larger audience.

According to the announcement, the call allows the projects to involve relevant stakeholders in all project stages to maximize market uptake in developing technologies and solutions. Applicants can also identify and involve need-owners in the project development process.

In May 2020, the European Commission’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency and DST called for proposals that use existing local energy systems to speed up decarbonization and reduce clean energy costs.

Mercom had earlier reported that Sweden and India announced the India-Sweden collaborative industrial research and development program co-funded by DST and the Swedish Energy Agency.