Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

MNRE Allocates INR 436.93 Crore for Renewable Energy R&D to Boost Indigenous Innovation and Advanced Clean Energy Technologies

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved an outlay of INR 436.93 crore for the continuation of its Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme during the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period. The initiative aims to strengthen India's domestic research ecosystem, accelerate the development of next-generation renewable energy technologies, and reduce reliance on imported clean energy solutions by supporting innovation from laboratory research to commercial deployment.

The renewed programme focuses on promoting research, technology development, demonstration, and commercialisation across a broad range of renewable energy segments, including solar photovoltaics, wind energy, bioenergy, geothermal systems, energy storage, hybrid renewable solutions, and emerging clean energy technologies. It also prioritises the development of testing infrastructure, resource assessment capabilities, and pilot-scale projects to bridge the gap between research and large-scale commercial adoption.

A key feature of the programme is its emphasis on indigenous manufacturing and advanced photovoltaic technologies. MNRE plans to support the establishment of pilot manufacturing lines for perovskite solar cells, an emerging photovoltaic technology recognised globally for its high efficiency, lightweight design, and potential to significantly reduce solar module production costs. The programme will also fund process optimisation, material characterisation, standardisation efforts, and industry-oriented research to accelerate the commercial readiness of perovskite-based solar manufacturing in India.

Over the five-year implementation period, the ministry intends to support around 50 research and development projects while establishing 10 new renewable energy testing laboratories and specialised centres. Additional support will be extended to technology demonstration projects, Centres of Excellence, international research collaborations, and initiatives aimed at strengthening India's renewable energy testing, certification, and quality assurance ecosystem.

The funding framework has been designed to encourage participation from a wide range of stakeholders. Government departments, public research institutions, universities, and non-profit organisations will be eligible for up to 100 percent financial assistance, while industries, private institutions, entrepreneurs, and startups can receive up to 50 percent funding. Projects involving technology advancement from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3-4 to TRL 6-9, particularly in emerging renewable technologies, may receive financial support of up to 70 percent, subject to recommendations from the R&D Project Appraisal Committee (RDPAC).

The programme also provides annual budgetary support to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) for implementing the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas in Renewable Energy (MAHA-RE) in partnership with MNRE. In addition, DPIIT-recognised startups will be eligible for financial assistance through incubation centres or direct support for technology scale-up, with investments structured through Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) to encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

The expanded RE-RTD Programme aligns with India's broader clean energy ambitions, including the national target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity by 2030 and progressing towards net-zero emissions by 2070. By strengthening domestic R&D, encouraging industry-academia collaboration, expanding testing infrastructure, and supporting the commercialisation of indigenous technologies, the initiative is expected to improve India's technological self-reliance, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and accelerate the country's transition to a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.