The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), under the Government of India, has issued detailed guidelines for a joint call for proposals in partnership with the European Union. The initiative is part of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), specifically under Working Group 2 focused on Green and Clean Technologies. This collaborative effort is aimed at advancing technologies that convert biogenic waste into renewable hydrogen, an area that supports both India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Europe’s sustainability goals.
The call, titled “EU-India Cooperation on Waste to Renewable Hydrogen Innovation,” invites project proposals from consortia comprising at least three entities from India and three from the EU, each from different countries. The goal is to develop innovative biochemical and thermochemical technologies that can efficiently and sustainably produce hydrogen from waste sources such as agricultural residues, forest waste, sewage sludge, and industrial wastewater. Organic waste not of biogenic origin is excluded.
MNRE will provide a funding commitment of up to ₹90 crore for Indian participants, with each project potentially receiving up to ₹45 crore. On the European side, Horizon Europe has allocated EUR 10 million, with each project eligible for up to EUR 5 million. The projects are expected to run for either 36 or 48 months and must start after June 2026. Linked EU and Indian projects are required to share the same start and end dates to ensure close coordination.
Indian applicants must be academic institutions, public R&D organizations, government autonomous bodies, or industries including startups. The participation of technology designers and providers is encouraged. Private sector involvement is welcomed under certain financial and operational guidelines, and funding to these entities is subject to reimbursement based on performance and expenditure documentation.
Key expectations from selected projects include increased efficiency in converting carbon to hydrogen, significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and lower environmental impact. Advanced modeling and safety planning for hydrogen systems are essential components. Applicants are required to perform a lifecycle assessment covering economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Submission deadlines are set for September 2025, with EU coordinators required to submit to the Horizon Europe portal by September 2nd and Indian coordinators to the MNRE R&D portal by September 5th. Indian submissions must include a consolidated budget in Indian Rupees, and various certifications, and follow MNRE’s financial and technical formats.
Evaluation of proposals will be based on excellence, impact, and the quality of implementation, each assessed independently by peer reviewers. The final decision will be based on a consensus report prepared by a joint evaluation panel. Successful proposals must also establish a Consortium Agreement to manage intellectual property rights, responsibilities, and result dissemination.
The guidelines stress that proposals must reflect genuine EU-India cooperation and must clearly show how joint efforts will add value. Emphasis is also placed on gender balance and transparency in fund usage. All partners are expected to engage in common networking and joint activities throughout the project duration to foster deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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