Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Rese

  May 25, 2023

Q. Why is this in News?

A. 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.

 

Q. What are the Key Details of the National Mission MAHIR?

A. 

• 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

 

Q. What is the Structure of the Mission?

A. 

• 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.

 

Q. What is the Scope of the Mission?

A. 

• 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.

 

Q. What is the Significance of the MAHIR?

A. 

• 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 can attract investments, foster innovation-driven industries, and create job opportunities.