National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR): Powering India’s Power Sector
Powering India’s Power Sector : The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy joined hands to launch an ambitious initiative known as the National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR). This mission aims to identify and develop cutting-edge technologies in the power sector, both in India and globally, to establish India as a leading manufacturing hub. With a focus on indigenous research, MAHIR will drive innovation, support national priorities like achieving Net Zero emissions, and align with initiatives such as Make in India and Start-up India.
Powering India’s Power Sector
Powering India’s Power Sector: Key Objectives of MAHIR:
- Identify and develop emerging technologies in the power sector within India.
- Foster collaboration among industry, academia, and government to create an innovation ecosystem.
- Support pilot projects for indigenous technologies, especially those developed by Indian start-ups.
- Facilitate international alliances and partnerships for research and development of advanced technologies.
- Promote scientific and industrial research and development to establish India as a leader in power system-related technologies and applications.
MAHIR, the National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, is a government initiative aimed at promoting research and innovation in India’s power sector. It facilitates indigenous research, collaboration between industry, academia, and the government, and provides financial assistance to Indian start-ups for their projects. The mission also encourages international partnerships to accelerate research and access advanced technologies. With a focus on specific research areas, such as energy storage and carbon capture, MAHIR aims to foster an innovative ecosystem and position India as a global leader in power system technologies.
Powering India’s Power Sector: Structure of MAHIR
The mission will consist of two main bodies: the Technical Scoping Committee (TSC) and the Apex Committee.
- The TSC will analyze global research areas, suggest potential technologies, and monitor approved projects.
- The Apex Committee, led by the Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy, will approve research proposals and consider international collaborations.
1. Technical Scoping Committee
Chairperson: Central Electricity Authority
Responsibilities:
- Analyzing and identifying current and emerging research areas worldwide
- Suggesting potential technologies for development
- Providing justifications for techno-economic advantages
- Outlining research plans
- Monitoring approved research projects
2. Apex Committee
Chairperson: Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy
Members:
- Secretary, Ministry of Power
- Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
- Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
- Principal Scientific Adviser or representative
- Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority
- Representative of NITI Aayog
- Joint Secretary/Economic Adviser (T&R), Ministry of Power
- CMDs of NTPC, PGCIL, PFC, REC, NHPC, NEEPCO, THDC, SJVNL, GCIL, IREDA
- MD, SECI
- Chairpersons of BBMB, DVC
- DGs of NPTI, BEE, NISE, NIWE, NIBE
- Directors of IITs (Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kanpur)
- Director General, CSIR
- Director General, CPRI
- Member Convener: Director General, CPRI
Responsibilities:
- Approving research proposals
- Considering international collaborations
- Making decisions on technology development and agreements with collaborating countries
Powering India’s Power Sector: Scope and Vision of MAHIR
Once research areas are identified and approved, the mission will invite proposals from global companies and organizations, focusing on achieving specific outcomes. Intellectual property rights (IPR) will be shared between the Government of India and the research agency. MAHIR will also provide funding for pilot projects by Indian start-ups and facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer through international collaborations.
Powering India’s Power Sector: Conclusion
The National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) is a significant step towards revolutionizing the power sector in India. By promoting indigenous research, fostering innovation, and collaborating with various stakeholders, MAHIR aims to position India as a global leader in power system technologies. With its focus on cutting-edge research areas and sustainable solutions, MAHIR is poised to contribute to India’s energy transition and the achievement of national and international goals.
How long will MAHIR run?
MAHIR is scheduled to run for an initial period of five years from 2023 to 2028.
What are the key objectives of MAHIR?
The key objectives of MAHIR include identifying emerging technologies, fostering collaboration, supporting indigenous pilot projects, facilitating international partnerships, and promoting scientific research and development in the power sector.
What are the key areas of research under MAHIR?
The key areas of research under MAHIR include alternatives to lithium-ion storage batteries, adapting electric cookers for Indian cooking, green hydrogen for fuel cells, carbon capture methods, geothermal energy utilization, solid-state refrigeration technologies, enhancing EV batteries with nanotechnology, and developing indigenous technology for CRGO materials.
