MNRE approves Rs 436.93 crore RE-R&D programme till FY31
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved the continuation of the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme for the 16th Finance Cycle from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of Rs 436.93 crore.
The administrative approval was issued through an official order dated July 17, 2026. The programme is intended to strengthen research, innovation and indigenous manufacturing capabilities across the renewable energy sector over the next five years.
Programme scope
The RE-RTD Programme aims to support research and development activities across solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, energy storage and hybrid technologies.
According to the Ministry, the scheme is designed to accelerate indigenous technology development and facilitate the large-scale deployment of renewable energy technologies in a cost-effective manner.
The programme includes funding support for research projects, technology demonstration initiatives, incubation centres and policy research activities. It will remain in force until March 31, 2031.
Funding structure
A significant portion of the allocation has been earmarked for emerging technologies. The programme includes Rs 200 crore for establishing a Perovskite PV Manufacturing Pilot Line aimed at supporting domestic capabilities in next-generation solar technologies.
Funding support of up to 100% will be available for government institutions and non-profit research organisations. Industry participants and start-ups will be eligible for support of up to 50%, while projects focused on advancing technologies from lower to higher Technology Readiness Levels may receive assistance of up to 70%.
The guidelines also provide for the establishment of Centres of Excellence, international collaborations and dedicated policy research studies.
Implementation mechanism
MNRE will implement the programme through multiple channels, including open calls for proposals, solicited proposals from identified experts and collaborative initiatives.
One of the key components is the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas in Renewable Energy (MAHA-RE), which will be implemented in collaboration with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The initiative has been allocated a separate budget of up to Rs 200 crore, with a matching contribution to be provided by ANRF.
Project proposals submitted under the programme will be evaluated by a Research and Development (R&D) Project Appraisal Committee chaired by the MNRE Secretary.
The Ministry has also approved the creation of a dedicated Project Management Unit for programme monitoring and coordination, with an annual budget of Rs 75 lakh.
Expected outcomes
The Ministry has outlined several outcome targets for the programme, including the development of new technologies, patents, scientific publications, testing laboratory infrastructure and demonstration projects.
The programme is also expected to support indigenous manufacturing, reduce technology costs and generate policy research outputs that can inform future renewable energy interventions.
The order approving the continuation of the scheme was issued with the concurrence of MNRE’s Integrated Finance Division and the approval of the Minister for New and Renewable Energy.
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