CEA Invites Industry-Led R&D Proposals To Bridge Research–Industry Gap In Power Sector For NEP 2037

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which functions under the Ministry of Power, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to strengthen the connection between academic research and the real needs of India’s power sector. The move is part of the preparation for the upcoming National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the period from 2027-28 to 2036-37. As per the Electricity Act, 2003, the CEA is required to prepare this plan every five years to guide the country’s power sector development.

To support the preparation of the next NEP, a special committee has been formed that includes 11 sub-committees, each focusing on different areas of the energy sector. One of these, Sub-Committee V, looks specifically at research and development in the power sector. This sub-committee is chaired by the Director General of the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI). During its first meeting held on October 29, 2025, members discussed the current state of research activities in the power sector and identified a major concern.

The committee observed that there is a clear gap between research being carried out in academic and research institutions and the actual requirements of the power industry. Many research outcomes are not translating into usable solutions for utilities, manufacturers, or system operators. This disconnect has limited the impact of institutional research on ground-level challenges faced by the sector, especially as India moves towards a more complex energy system with higher renewable energy penetration.

To address this issue, the sub-committee has suggested a more coordinated and practical approach to innovation. One of the key recommendations is to ensure sufficient funding for breakthrough and transformative technologies that can support long-term sectoral needs. The committee has also stressed the importance of linking research and development activities with manufacturing outcomes, so that innovations can move smoothly from the laboratory to commercial application. This approach is expected to help build complete, end-to-end capabilities within the country.

As part of this effort, the CEA has now invited power sector stakeholders to submit ideas and proposals for research and development projects that should be given priority over the next five to ten years. The authority is encouraging active participation from industry players, who are expected not only to suggest ideas but also to contribute resources and work closely with academic and research institutions. The focus is on collaborative projects that can deliver practical and scalable solutions for the power sector.

Proposals that offer clear, constructive, and relevant solutions may be shortlisted and discussed in the next meeting of Sub-Committee V. Stakeholders interested in contributing have been asked to send their inputs and comments by email.

The deadline for submission is within 10 days from the date of issuance of the letter, which was signed on December 22, 2025. This initiative signals a stronger push by the CEA to align research efforts with industry needs and future power sector goals.