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					</table>The Department of Science &amp; Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DST</a>) has invited proposals to upgrade lab-scale technologies, which are at technology readiness levels (TRL) 3-4, to reach prototypes (TRL 5) and pilot plants (TRL 6) for establishing a complete hydrogen value chain in India.
The projects funded under this initiative are expected to be completed within two to two-three years, with a maximum funding limit of ₹50 million (~$599,776).
The call for proposals focuses on the indigenous development of hydrogen-related technologies, emphasizing prototypes demonstrating commercial potential. Proposals must include a clear commercialization plan with milestones, timelines, justified budget, and engagement with potential technology transfer partners.
The last date for the submission of bids is December 29, 2023.
Startups with appropriate technologies at the pre-commercialization stage can also apply.
Individuals with expertise in science, engineering, and technology who are employed in universities, academic institutions, research and development institutions, and laboratories equipped with the necessary infrastructure and facilities for research and development activities are eligible to submit applications.
The financial support is allocated for temporary staff, equipment, consumables, domestic travel, and miscellaneous items. No funding will be available for infrastructure, buildings, or international travel.
Investigators must have relevant expertise, and proposals with industry partnerships are preferred.
The institution executing the project is responsible for financial and administrative aspects, with no financial assistance extended to the industry. In the case of multi-institutional projects, the principal investigators must secure formal agreements from collaborating institutions and scientists.
Monitoring mechanisms will be implemented, involving regular assessments through progress reports, financial statements, and committee reviews. Onsite visits by committees approved by the DST will also be done to ensure effective oversight.
Principal investigators and organizations must submit progress reports every six months, providing comprehensive updates on project advancements and expenditures.
The grant may be terminated by DST at any stage if it is determined that the funds have not been appropriately utilized.
Any know-how generated from the projects will be the exclusive property of the Government of India, and proceeds from its sale or utilization, including royalties, belong to the government.
All assets, including equipment and prototypes, are deemed the property of the Government of India, and their disposal or alternative use requires prior approval from DST.
Recently, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cea-begins-planning-for-green-hydrogen-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">begun</a> planning to install transmission infrastructure to cater to the power demands of upcoming green hydrogen and green ammonia plants across seven coastal states and three inland states in consultation with the Central Transmission Utility (CTU).
In April this year, the DST <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-hydrogen-valley-innovation-clusters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to establish Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters in the country. A hydrogen valley is a specific geographical region where hydrogen is utilized for multiple applications across different sectors, such as industry, energy, and mobility.

Government Invites Bids to Advance Hydrogen Value Chain Technologies

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					</table>The <a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Department of Science and Technology</a> (DST) has invited bids to establish Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) in the country.
A hydrogen valley is a specific geographical region where hydrogen is utilized for multiple applications across different sectors, such as industry, energy, and mobility.
It is a designated area where the use of hydrogen technology is encouraged and promoted to drive the adoption of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source.
The last date to submit the bids is May 4, 2023. The evaluation and selection of the bidders are scheduled during the same month.
Funding will be allocated to selected bids to prepare a detailed project report (DPR).
The initiative is part of The National Green Hydrogen Mission, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b9197-billion-hydrogen-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> by the Union Cabinet in January 2023, to promote hydrogen energy technology development in India.
The DST will provide financial assistance of ₹2.5 million (~$30,426) for the development of the DPR, which will outline the specifics of the proposed Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs).
The funding is aimed at supporting the shortlisted bids in conducting a thorough evaluation of the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of the HVIC project.
Proposed HVICs will focus on producing up to 500 tons of green hydrogen per year using proven technology routes. The initial demonstration period will span five years, from 2024 to 2028, during which each HVIC will aim to scale up to a commercial level.
The invitation for proposals has identified two categories of small-scale HVICs that are eligible for funding.
The first type is a city or town-wide hydrogen valley, covering an area of approximately 100 km radius and encompassing various parts of the hydrogen value chain.
The second type of small-scale HVIC eligible for funding is a campus-wide hydrogen valley, in which the hydrogen value chain is contained within the area of an R&amp;D institution or an industrial establishment.
In this case, a consortium may aim to demonstrate the production, storage, transportation, and consumption of green hydrogen within the premises of a company or R&amp;D institution.
The setup allows for the demonstration of green hydrogen technology in a controlled environment, enabling the consortium to optimize and fine-tune the processes before scaling up to a commercial level.
The projects selected for funding will be announced in August 2023, and project initiation and company formation are expected to begin in October 2023, as per the invitation.
The lead organization hosting the Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster should have the ability to connect with various stakeholders to translate the research outputs for practical applications.
Proposals will be evaluated and scored against selection and award criteria &#8211; excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation.
DST currently has allocated up to ₹300 million (~$3.6 million), or 50% of the total HVIC cost, whichever is lower, based on the justified needs of the project.
The funding is intended to cover the total cost of running the HVIC for five years, from 2024 to 2028.
The DST under the Ministry will play a crucial role and, as the central agency, will oversee and fund the research, development, and demonstration (RD&amp;D) activities.
This will be vital for small-scale demonstrations, thereby boosting the readiness of technologies in the green hydrogen value chain.
Each HVIC will be a public-private partnership-driven project, with both public and private sector partners playing a crucial role. The government is encouraging industry partners to contribute towards the funding of the HVIC, particularly in their specific areas of expertise in the hydrogen value chain.
Such contributions from industry partners are expected to add value to the project and promote the development of green hydrogen technologies in India.
Recently, the Union Minister of Renewable Energy and Power R. K. Singh <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/green-hydrogen-india-save-%e2%82%b91-trillion-fuel-imports-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">informed</a> the Rajya Sabha that the government aims to reduce a total of ₹1 trillion (~$12 billion) worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030, following the targets set under the National Green Hydrogen mission.
Mercom India will bring together industry experts to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/role-of-green-hydrogen-in-decarbonizing-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discuss</a> the criticality of green hydrogen in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors at the ‘<a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/renewables-summit-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom India Renewables Summit 2023</a>,’ an exclusive event on April 26-27 in New Delhi.
At a session titled ‘Green Hydrogen – The Critical Piece in the Decarbonization Puzzle‘ scheduled for April 26, 2023, panelists will discuss the challenges for India to emerge as a significant hub in producing this clean fuel.

Government Invites Bids to Establish Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters

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					</table>The Department of Science and Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DST</a>) and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (<a href="https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fraunhofer ISE</a>) have signed a letter of intent for a long-term collaboration focusing on hydrogen and other clean technologies.
The partnership is expected to lead to the development of higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for hydrogen energy clusters that are being set up by DST, and also identify existing technologies and potential interventions from Fraunhofer in green hydrogen.
The partnership aims to integrate the interventions with indigenous technologies and deploy or calibrate them for Indian conditions.
DST will provide the framework for cooperation in the hydrogen valley cluster projects and support activities, and facilitate resources.
Fraunhofer will act as a technology partner for the hydrogen valley or cluster, provide information and access to technologies along with scientific and technical experts, and collaborate in preparing technology roadmaps and guidelines for the innovation ecosystem or cluster.
An official press release said India and Germany share the goal of decarbonizing their economies and are committed to jointly pursuing energy security and climate protection programs. Both countries have committed to developing a national green hydrogen economy to facilitate the achievement of the Paris Agreement targets.
Green hydrogen is likely to <a href="https://mercomindia.com/green-hydrogen-governments-renewable-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> a central role in India’s ambition to reach 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and in developing energy storage solutions that could potentially replace lithium-ion-based batteries, Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R.K. Singh said recently.
In January, the Union Cabinet <a href="https://mercomindia.com/cabinet-approves-%e2%82%b9197-billion-hydrogen-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the National Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate demand creation, production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen with an initial outlay of ₹197.44 billion (~$2.3 billion). The largest portion of the funding — ₹174.9 billion (~$2.1 billion) — is earmarked for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT) program.
Earlier this month, the European Investment Bank (EIB) <a href="https://mercomindia.com/eib-provide-1-1-billion-green-hydrogen-hubs-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a memorandum of understanding with the India Hydrogen Alliance to provide €1 billion (~$1.1 billion) to develop large-scale green hydrogen hubs and projects across India.
EIB also agreed to join the IH2A, a move that is expected to bring the industry, investors, and government agencies together on the green hydrogen hubs and projects.
EIB formally agreed to join the hydrogen alliance, a move that is expected to bring the industry, investors, and government agencies together on the green hydrogen hubs and projects.

India to Partner with Fraunhofer ISE on Hydrogen and Clean Energy Tech

The Department of Science and Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DST</a>) 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 <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ec-india-cooperate-integrated-local-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">called</a> for proposals that use existing local energy systems to speed up decarbonization and reduce clean energy costs.
Mercom had earlier <a href="https://mercomindia.com/india-sweden-create-5-million-fund-research-smart-grids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> that Sweden and India announced the India-Sweden collaborative industrial research and development program co-funded by DST and the Swedish Energy Agency.

Government Calls for Proposals to Resolve Digital Challenges in Green Energy Transition

The Department of Science &amp; Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DST</a>) invited bids for solid waste management of residuals emanating from the power industry.
The tender has been floated for the disposal and recycling of storage batteries of all chemistries, solar panels, wind turbine parts, other power generating, transmission and distribution equipment along with insulating material (porcelain glass, polymer). The tender also includes the management of waste produced due to the increased installation of Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems in thermal power stations.
The last date for the submission of bids is November 15, 2020.
Proposals should be submitted online by scientists, engineers, technologists working in universities and other academic institutions, research and development institutions, laboratories with adequate infrastructure for research and development work.
The DST had initiated a technology development program -Waste Management Technologies (WMT) in 2015, which aimed to promote the development of suitable technologies with the potential to alleviate the environmental load from the vast amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption lifestyle.
The objectives of WMT is to:
<ul>
<li>Take stock of technological development, assess, analyze and look for material recycling systems with low environment loading and improve upon them or find better alternatives</li>
<li>Develop waste management technologies that can be adopted in small and medium-scale enterprises to improve their productivity and global competitiveness</li>
<li>Establish the techno-economic feasibility of proposed methodologies and technologies</li>
</ul>
To participate, the applicants should have relevant experience, patents, prototypes, and technology demonstrations. Proposals should have the participation of relevant industry stakeholders as the end product of development would be transferred for technology implementation. Participants can only submit one proposal each.
The notice added that the government would enable financial support only for temporary staff salaries, equipment, consumables, domestic travel, and other miscellaneous items. No support will be provided for basic infrastructure, buildings, and international travel. Fund support under the non-recurring grant for required equipment will be given, but only if the facility is not available with the participant or nearby institutions. No major infrastructure will be funded, the DST clarified.
Notably, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/india-blueprint-battery-waste-management/">issued</a> a draft notification for battery waste management. The regulations will apply to all types of batteries as listed in the Schedule-I, regardless of their shape, volume, weight, material, and composition, or use.
The DST is also encouraging translational research on carbon capture, utilization, and storage and has <a href="https://mercomindia.com/government-invites-proposal-research-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">invited</a> proposals from Indian researchers in the area under the Accelerating CCUS Technologies (ACT) program in collaboration with other ACT member countries.

Bids Invited for Recycling and Management of Waste from Renewables and Power Industry

The government of India’s (GOI) Department of Science and Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DST</a>) is encouraging translational research on carbon capture, utilization &amp; storage (CCUS).
DST has invited proposals from Indian researchers in the area of carbon capture, utilization &amp; storage under Accelerating CCUS Technologies (ACT) program in collaboration with other ACT member countries.
CCUS is the process of capturing waste carbon dioxide from large point sources, such as a factory, transporting it to a storage site, and depositing it where it will not enter the atmosphere (an underground geological formation).
ACT is seeking innovative projects that range from smaller research projects to new or already existing pilots and demonstration sites. New pilot and demonstration facilities should have the potential for upscaling to industrial size.
Each project proposal has to be submitted by a project consortium consisting of at least three eligible applicants funded by at least three countries/regions participating in this ACT call.
The ACT call is a two-stage process. Stage one invites pre-proposals, and stage two invites full project proposals. The call for pre-proposals is open until November 10, 2020. By December 10, 2020, applicants that are successful in stage one will be invited to enter stage 2 of the procedure.
The call for full proposals will close on March 15, 2021. The targeted start date for projects will be at the end of September 2021.
This initiative will facilitate the emergence of CCUS through translational funding of projects aimed at accelerating CCUS technology through targeted innovation and research activities. ACT will address the technological, environmental, social, and economic challenges required to accelerate CCUS.
So far, there have been two ACT calls, first in 2016, which mobilized funds from participating partners and the European Commission, and the second in 2018, which was funded by participating national funding agencies only.
Earlier, Mercom had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/cost-effective-catalyst-split-water/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> on the research work conducted at the Centre for Nano and Soft Science (CeNS) on an efficient and cost-effective palladium-based catalyst that can be used for electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen (H2) as a low carbon fuel. CeNS is an autonomous institute under DST.
Mercom had also <a href="https://mercomindia.com/carbon-nanotubes-increase-efficiency-solar-modules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> on Rice University scientists, who are designing arrays of aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes to channel mid-infrared radiation (heat) and significantly raise the efficiency of solar energy systems. According to the research, a carbon nanotube can be just the device to make solar panels that lose energy through heat far more efficiently.

Government Invites Proposal for Research on Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Science (<a href="https://www.cens.res.in/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CeNS</a>) claimed that they had created an efficient and cost-effective palladium-based catalyst that can be used for electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen (H2) for its consumption as low carbon fuel.
The CeNS is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The coordination polymer (COP)-based catalyst contains metal ions linked by coordinated organic ligands into infinite arrays. It has been used widely to produce hydrogen through the electrochemical splitting of water, a process to decompose elements of water to produce hydrogen.  The catalyst is essentially a compound of partially reduced COP and reduced graphene oxide.
In their study, researchers said that the COP-based catalyst demonstrated very high durability for 70 hours at a high current density of 300 mA/cm2. The durability and cost of synthesis decide the effectiveness of the electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Researchers added that carbon and platinum are effective but expensive catalysts to produce hydrogen compared to newly developed durable, efficient, and cost-effective COP-based catalysts.
According to the research, the technique of organic ligand encapsulation of metal ions on conducting platform could be imitated for another metal-based electrocatalyst to achieve long-term catalytic stability.
“Developing efficient means of splitting water to produce hydrogen and obtaining the energy required for it from solar energy would be a significant part of the sustainable and green solutions for our energy needs,” said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
In May 2020, Researchers at Rice University in the United States of America <a href="https://mercomindia.com/scientists-develop-integrated-module/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">had created</a> a low-cost device that can split water to produce hydrogen fuel.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is currently mulling a plan to <a href="https://mercomindia.com/india-ramp-solar-manufacturing-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">invite bids</a> for an innovative program that would involve generating solar power, which would then be used to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen produced would then power a city’s public transport. Union Power Minister R.K. Singh noted that the only requirement of the bid would be that the per kilometer cost of the transportation should be less than diesel-driven buses.
Image credit: EBRD

A Cost-Effective Catalyst That Can Split Water to Produce Hydrogen

Sweden and India recently announced the India-Sweden collaborative industrial research and development program at the India Smart Utilities Week. This collaborative effort will be co-funded by the Department of Science &amp; Technology (<a href="https://dst.gov.in/">DST</a>) and the <a href="https://rio.jrc.ec.europa.eu/en/organisations/swedish-energy-agency">Swedish Energy Agency</a>.
The primary object of this joint exercise is to address the challenges faced by both countries in the area of smart grids.
The agencies have created a funding mechanism that can be used by companies for joint research and development projects. The India-Sweden program aims to increase the joint research and development projects bringing the research organizations and academics from both countries together.
The Swedish Energy Agency has committed $2.6 million (~₹191.13 million) for four years for research in the field of smart grids. DST has also pledged the support of ₹180 million (~$2.44 million) for the development of new projects, products, and technologies.
Speaking on occasion, Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST, said, “With India raising its ambition for renewable energy manifold, research, development and innovation, the area of smart grids assumes high priority as the essential enabler. High research development and innovation investments, especially in partnership and collaborations, can accelerate smart grid technologies development in the near future.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Robert Andren, Director General, Swedish Energy Agency, said, “A sustainable energy supply is a prerequisite for all societies, and therefore we need modern power infrastructures that allow highly increased amounts of renewable energy. Another common challenge we share is the transformation into a fossil-free transport sector. These are just two examples of areas where India and Sweden can benefit from concrete co-creation and sharing experiences from each other.”
The first meeting between the two countries on innovation policy was held in New Delhi in December 2019 during the state visit of the King and the Queen of Sweden.
In September last year, a new leadership group led by India and Sweden was <a href="https://mercomindia.com/india-sweden-lead-un-leadership-group/">announced</a> at the UN Climate Action Summit. The newly formed group will help guide the world’s heaviest greenhouse gas emitting industries toward the low-carbon economy.
Earlier, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/iit-kanpur-smart-grid-pilot-solar-pv/">floated</a> an expression of interest (EoI) for three smart grid field pilots combining renewable sources (solar and biomass) and storage (Lithium-ion and flow batteries). This is part of a project called U.S.-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution System with Storage (UI-ASSIST).

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