CfP for Implementation of Pilot Projects for Production of Green Hydrogen from Biomass-based and other Innovative Technology-based Interventions – EQ

Summary:

—

### **1. Background & Objectives**

#### **1.1 Background**
– BIRAC is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, established to promote strategic research and innovation in the biotech sector.
– MNRE is the nodal ministry for renewable energy in India, with a vision to develop and deploy new and renewable energy technologies, including green hydrogen.
– The **National Green Hydrogen Mission** was launched in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 Crore to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.

#### **1.2 Objectives**
– To support **innovative technologies and pathways** for green hydrogen production, including biomass-based, floating solar-based, and wastewater-based methods.
– To pilot the use of green hydrogen and its derivatives in **decentralized applications** such as cooking, heating, off-grid power, and off-road vehicles.
– To validate the **technical feasibility, safety, and performance** of green hydrogen in residential, commercial, and community applications.

—

### **2. Key Project Requirements**

#### **2.1 Technology Readiness**
– Proposed technologies must have achieved **TRL 5/6** and must have been validated at the laboratory scale.
– Early-stage research or proof-of-concept studies are **not eligible**.

#### **2.2 Project Scale & Scope**
– Projects should be at **pilot or demonstration scale**.
– The scale can be determined by the **Executing Agency (EA)**.
– Projects with identified **offtakers/consumers** for the produced hydrogen will be prioritized.

#### **2.3 Implementation Timeline**
– Maximum project duration: **18 months**
– **12 months** for commissioning
– **6 months** for demonstration and operation

#### **2.4 Site & Infrastructure**
– EAs must arrange for adequate land and necessary infrastructure.
– Prior experience in infrastructure development, technology scale-up, or biomass conversion is preferred.

—

### **3. Eligibility Criteria**

#### **3.1 Eligible Entities**
– **Lead Applicant**: Indian companies (including CPSEs, SPSEs, statutory corporations) registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
– **Collaborators**: LLPs, academic institutes, NGOs, trusts, societies, foundations, etc.
– **Joint Ventures**: Must be registered as a legal entity.

#### **3.2 Ownership Requirements**
– Minimum **51% ownership** must be held by Indian citizens or Indian companies.
– Supporting documents (CA/CS certified shareholding pattern, passport copies) are required.

#### **3.3 Restrictions**
– Projects already funded under **NGHM or other Government of India schemes** are **not eligible**.
– Startups may apply individually or as part of a JV/collaboration, provided they are not receiving funding under Part B of the scheme.

—

### **4. Selection & Evaluation Process**

#### **4.1 Evaluation Criteria**
– Innovation
– Technical feasibility
– Commercial deployment potential
– Total project cost
– Green hydrogen production capacity
– Presence of identified offtakers

#### **4.2 Stages of Evaluation**
1. Administrative eligibility check
2. Screening committee review
3. Presentation before Project Appraisal Committee (PAC)
4. Site visit (if required)
5. Final approval by Advisory Group (AG) of NGHM

—

### **5. Financial Support & Disbursement**

#### **5.1 Funding Ceilings**
– Total funding pool: **₹100 Crore**
– Maximum per project: **₹25 Crore**

#### **5.2 Funding Percentages**
– **Private entities**: Up to **80%** of total equipment cost (or ₹25 Cr, whichever is lower)
– **Government entities**: Up to **100%** of total equipment cost (or ₹25 Cr, whichever is lower)

#### **5.3 Eligible Costs**
– Only **equipment and retrofitting costs** for green hydrogen production and application are covered.
– **Excluded**: Operating expenses, manpower, civil works, land, water, renewable electricity procurement.

#### **5.4 Disbursement Schedule**
– 20% upon signing of Grant-in-aid Letter Agreement (GLA)
– 40% upon receipt of 100% equipment
– 30% upon commissioning
– 10% after 6 months of successful operation

—

### **6. Project Execution & Compliance**

#### **6.1 Reporting Requirements**
– Progress reports every 2 months
– Milestone Completion Reports within 15 days of each milestone
– Half-yearly Utilisation Certificates and Statement of Expenses (audited)
– Annual audited financial statements

#### **6.2 Financial & Administrative Compliance**
– EA must submit a **Bank Guarantee** for 20% of sanctioned amount.
– Funds must be held in a **Zero Balance Savings Account (ZBSA)**.
– Unutilized funds must be refunded to BIRAC within one month of project completion.

#### **6.3 Acknowledgment & Branding**
– MNRE-BIRAC logos must be displayed prominently at project sites, websites, and in all project-related communications.
– All publications/outputs must acknowledge BIRAC funding.

—

For more information please see below link: