Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research

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Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have jointly launched a National Mission named “Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)”.
  • The Mission is planned for an initial period of five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28 and will follow the technology life cycle approach of Idea to Product.

What are the Key Details of the National Mission MAHIR?

  • Objectives of the Mission:
    • To identify emerging technologies and areas of future relevance for the global power sector and develop them indigenously.
    • To provide a platform for collective brainstorming and synergetic technology development among power sector stakeholders.
    • To support pilot projects of indigenous technologies developed by Indian start-ups and facilitate their commercialization.
    • To leverage foreign alliances and partnerships for research and development of advanced technologies and technology transfer.
    • To promote scientific and industrial R&D in the power sector and create an innovative ecosystem.
    • To position India among the leading countries in power system-related technologies and applications development.
  • Funding:
    • It will be funded by pooling resources from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises under these ministries.
    • Additional funding, if required, will be mobilized from the Government of India’s budgetary resources.
  • Areas Identified for Research under MAHIR:
    • Alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries
    • Modifying electric cookers/pans to suit Indian cooking methods
    • Green hydrogen for mobility (High Efficiency Fuel Cell)
    • Carbon capture
    • Geo-thermal energy
    • Solid state refrigeration
    • Nano technology for EV battery
    • Indigenous CRGO technology

What is the Structure of the Mission?

  • Two- Tier Structure:
    • It has a two-tier structure consisting of a Technical Scoping Committee and an Apex Committee.
      • The Apex Committee:
        • It deliberates on technology and product development, approves research proposals, and looks into international collaborations.
        • The Apex committee will look also into international collaborations. The final approval of all the research proposals / projects shall be given by the Apex Committee.
        • It is chaired by the Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy.
      • Technical Scoping Committee:
        • It identifies research areas, recommends potential technologies, and monitors approved research projects.
        • It is chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority.
      • Central Power Research Institute (CPRI),Bengaluru will provide all necessary secretarial assistance to the Apex Committee and Technical Scoping Committee.

What is the Scope of the Mission?

  • Once research areas are identified and approved, outcome-linked funding proposals will be invited globally.
  • Quality cum Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) basis will be used for selecting the proposals.
  • Pilot projects of technologies developed by Indian start-ups will be funded, and their commercialization will be facilitated.
  • International collaboration and technology transfer will be encouraged.

What is the Significance of the MAHIR?

  • Indigenous Development:
    • By developing advanced technologies within the country, India can reduce its dependence on imports, enhance self-reliance,and promote domestic innovation and manufacturing capabilities.
    • It aligns with the “Make in India” initiative and contributes to the growth of indigenous technology-driven industries.
  • Energy Transition and Net Zero Emissions:
    • MAHIR can support the adoption of cleaner and greener energy sources,energy storage solutions, and carbon capture techniques.
    • This contributes to India’s commitment to combating climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable energy future.
  • Economic Growth and Manufacturing Hub:
    • MAHIR aims to make India a manufacturing hub for advanced power technologies. By developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies, it canattract investments, foster innovation-driven industries, and create job opportunities.
Source: PIB
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