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BIRAC Calls for Pilot Projects on Biomass and Novel Green Hydrogen Production Technologies

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has invited proposals for pilot and demonstration projects focused on green hydrogen production using biomass-based and other innovative technologies.

The Call for Proposals (CfP) has been issued under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The initiative seeks to encourage alternative and non-conventional hydrogen production pathways that fall outside the scope of existing mission components. Applications can be submitted through BIRAC’s online portal between December 26, 2025, and January 27, 2026.

The CfP targets pilot-scale and demonstration projects utilising biomass, wastewater, floating solar, and other innovative routes for green hydrogen generation. Eligible technologies must have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 or 6, indicating validation at the laboratory scale. Early-stage research and proof-of-concept proposals are not eligible under this call.

Selected Executing Agencies (EAs) will be responsible for setting up pilot plants, arranging land, and commissioning facilities within 12 months, followed by six months of operational demonstration, with the overall project duration capped at 18 months.

MNRE has allocated a total budget of Rs 100 crore for the CfP, with financial assistance limited to Rs 25 crore per project. Private sector entities may receive funding of up to 80% of eligible equipment costs, while government organisations can avail up to 100% support, subject to the overall project cap.

Funding under the scheme is restricted to equipment and retrofitting costs directly linked to green hydrogen production. Expenditures related to civil works, land acquisition, manpower, consumables, water supply, and renewable power generation are explicitly excluded.

BIRAC noted that projects with identified offtakers and clearly defined hydrogen utilisation plans will be given preference. Priority use cases include cooking, heating, decentralised power generation, off-road mobility, and community-level applications. Any revenue generated from hydrogen produced during the pilot phase may be retained by the Executing Agency.

Eligible applicants include Indian companies—including CPSEs and SPSEs—as well as startups, LLPs, academic institutions, NGOs, trusts, societies, and joint ventures, subject to ownership and compliance requirements. Startups may apply independently or as collaborators, provided they are not receiving parallel funding under Part B of the scheme. Entities already supported under other MNRE or NGHM programmes are not eligible.

The evaluation process will follow a multi-stage approach, beginning with administrative screening by BIRAC, followed by technical assessment by a Screening Committee. Shortlisted applicants will present before a Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) chaired by the Mission Director, NGHM, with final approvals granted by the Advisory Group of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Site visits may be conducted where required.

Assessment criteria include innovation level, technical feasibility, scalability, commercial potential, project cost, hydrogen production capacity, and availability of offtakers. Executing Agencies must furnish a Bank Guarantee equivalent to 20% of the sanctioned grant, with funds released on a milestone-linked basis. Delays or non-compliance may result in penalties, including project cancellation and recovery of funds with interest, in line with Government Financial Rules (GFR).

The CfP aligns with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023 with a total outlay of Rs 19,744 crore, aimed at positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilisation, and exports. According to BIRAC and MNRE, the selected pilot projects are expected to generate critical insights into technical feasibility, safety, scalability, and commercial viability, supporting future policy development and large-scale deployment of alternative green hydrogen pathways.