The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, has announced an extension for the submission deadline of proposals under the “Innovation Challenge for Circularity in Renewable Energy Technologies – Batteries and Solar Photovoltaic.” The deadline, which was initially earlier, has now been extended to 1st August 2025. The call for proposals falls under the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme. This initiative supports the scaling up of research and development efforts in India to promote indigenous technology development and ensure widespread deployment of renewable energy cost-effectively and efficiently.

The primary focus of the Innovation Challenge is to encourage the development of technologies that promote recycling, reuse, and sustainability in the solar and battery sectors. As demand for clean energy technologies increases globally, the supply of essential minerals used in solar modules and batteries remains limited and geographically concentrated. To counter this, the challenge is designed to promote a circular economy approach across the renewable energy value chain in India.

Applicants are invited to submit innovative proposals that align with three core themes: design and manufacturing innovations for better resource efficiency, second-life use and recycling of solar panels and batteries, and operational management to extend the life and efficiency of installed systems. The eligible innovations are classified by Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), ranging from early-stage concepts to proven technologies. Proposals will be evaluated for both technical merit and scalability potential.

Funding support will be provided depending on the innovation category. Proof-of-concept innovations (TRL 1–3) can receive up to ₹10 lakh or 50% of the project cost; potential innovations (TRL 4–5) are eligible for up to ₹30 lakh or 50% of the cost; and proven innovations (TRL 6 and above) may receive up to ₹2 crore or 50% of the project cost. The total financial outlay under the challenge is ₹10 crore.

Applicants must submit their proposals online through the MNRE research portal. The project duration is up to two years, with possible extensions on a case-by-case basis. Only Indian-based entities are eligible, and they must comply with all terms and conditions outlined in the RE-RTD Programme guidelines.

Proposals will be reviewed by a jury of sector experts, and final selection will be based on innovation, relevance, sustainability, and potential for commercialization. Selected winners will also be required to submit regular reports and evidence of fund utilization. The Ministry may discontinue funding at any stage if progress is not satisfactory.

This initiative supports India’s broader renewable energy and sustainability goals, including its target to generate 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The Innovation Challenge is an important step in promoting clean technologies while addressing the critical issue of waste management in the solar and battery sectors.

Related