MNRE And BIRAC Launch Call For Proposals To Boost Biomass-Based Green Hydrogen Pilot Projects In India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has taken another step toward advancing India’s clean energy mission by releasing a Call for Proposals aimed at developing pilot projects for green hydrogen production. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, which will act as the executing agency responsible for coordinating the implementation of the projects. The focus of this call is to promote innovative and technology-driven methods for producing green hydrogen, especially using biomass-based approaches that can support India’s long-term sustainability goals.

The call was officially issued on December 26, 2025, and is designed to identify startups, small and medium enterprises, and other organizations that can contribute to the development of green hydrogen production technologies. The proposal specifically highlights the need for interventions that can convert biomass into green hydrogen or use other emerging technologies capable of delivering cleaner energy solutions. This effort aligns with the government’s broader push to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a more self-reliant energy ecosystem.

BIRAC, a Section 8 public sector company under the Department of Biotechnology, has been assigned the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the selected projects. The organization has a well-established track record of supporting innovation in India’s biotechnology sector and will serve as the bridge between industry and academia. Through this role, BIRAC aims to help startups and small enterprises gain access to funding, technology transfer mechanisms, and intellectual property support. These measures are expected to help Indian companies become more competitive in the global renewable energy landscape.

One of the key aspects of the call is the requirement for applicants to declare their promoters and provide full transparency regarding control structures within their organizations. The guidelines clearly state that applicants must confirm whether their companies are directly or indirectly controlled by any other entity, as defined under the Companies Act 2013. This transparency requirement is intended to ensure that only eligible and compliant companies participate in the selection process, preventing misuse of the funding support offered under the scheme.

The guidelines also outline strict consequences for providing false or misleading information. Any organization found submitting incorrect details during the proposal evaluation may face cancellation of its application. Additionally, the applicant, its parent company, and affiliates could be barred from taking part in future calls issued by BIRAC for up to two years. This measure is meant to discourage any attempts to bypass the prescribed rules and to maintain the integrity of the selection process.

The overall evaluation process aims to shortlist organizations that are technically capable, financially responsible, and aligned with the objectives of the green hydrogen initiative. Pilot projects selected under this call are expected to demonstrate viable and scalable technologies that can contribute to India’s clean energy capacity. By integrating biomass-based methods with other innovative technological solutions, the government hopes to widen the scope of green hydrogen production options available in the country.

This effort is part of the national vision to build a strong and sustainable renewable energy sector that can reduce carbon emissions, strengthen energy security, and support a resilient industrial framework. Interested startups and enterprises are encouraged to carefully review the compliance guidelines and ensure accurate submission of information, as failure to do so can result in suspension or legal action. With the support of MNRE and BIRAC, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities in the clean energy landscape and contribute to India’s transition toward a low-carbon future.