The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved the continuation of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme for the 16th Finance Cycle, covering the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The programme has been sanctioned with a total budget of ₹436.93 crore and comes into effect immediately. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s renewable energy research ecosystem, promote indigenous technologies, and support the development of affordable and efficient clean energy solutions across the country.
A major share of the approved funding has been allocated to strategic research initiatives. Out of the total budget, ₹200 crore has been earmarked for establishing a Perovskite photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing pilot line along with related projects. Perovskite solar technology is considered one of the most promising next-generation solar technologies due to its potential for high efficiency and lower manufacturing costs. Another ₹86.93 crore has been allocated to settle committed liabilities from projects undertaken during the 15th Finance Cycle. The remaining funds will support research and development activities, technology design, pilot demonstrations, incubation centres, testing facilities, and policy research in the renewable energy sector.
The programme provides different levels of financial support depending on the type of organization. Government research institutions, academic organizations, and non-profit research bodies will be eligible for up to 100% financial assistance for approved projects. Private companies, startups, and private research institutions can receive up to 50% funding. However, this support can increase to 70% for projects focused on advancing technologies from lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRL-3 or TRL-4) to commercial deployment stages (TRL-6 to TRL-9), as well as for selected emerging technology sectors.
For startups, MNRE has introduced a new funding mechanism through government equity participation using Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS). This approach is intended to protect public investment while allowing startups to retain operational independence without direct government involvement in management.
The programme also includes the launch of the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas in Renewable Energy (MAHA-RE), which will be implemented jointly with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Under this collaboration, MNRE may provide up to ₹200 crore to ANRF on a co-funding basis to support high-impact renewable energy research and innovation.
To ensure effective implementation, MNRE will establish a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), supported with an annual budget of ₹75 lakh. The PMU will monitor project progress, maintain a centralized digital dashboard, coordinate with stakeholders, and track performance. Independent Project Monitoring Committees will regularly review ongoing projects, recommend fund releases, assess completed research, and ensure that projects remain on schedule.
Research proposals will be accepted through periodic open calls, unsolicited submissions, invited proposals from experts and industry leaders, and calls issued through the ANRF platform. After technical evaluation by expert panels, final project approvals will be made by the R&D Project Appraisal Committee chaired by the Secretary of MNRE. The programme also emphasizes intellectual property protection and commercialization, allowing institutions to retain ownership of innovations while granting the government a royalty-free license for official use. Verified technologies developed under the scheme will be listed on the national R&D portal to encourage wider industry adoption and commercialization.
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