The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has launched a national mission named “Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR).” The aim is to identify emerging technologies and areas of future relevance for the global power sector and develop them at a local level. The mission is scheduled for an initial period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28, following the technology life cycle approach from idea to product.
Objectives of the National Mission MAHIR
The primary objectives of this mission include identifying new technologies and relevant areas for the power sector globally. It aims to provide a synergistic platform for brainstorming technology development among power sector stakeholders. The mission supports pilot projects by Indian start-ups, facilitating their commercialization. Furthermore, it leverages foreign alliances for R&D of advanced tech and technology transfer. The final goal is to place India among the leading countries in power system-related tech and applications development.
Funding for the Mission
This mission will largely be funded by pooling resources from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, as well as Central Public Sector Enterprises under these ministries. If required, additional funding will be mobilized from the Government of India’s budgetary resources.
Identified Research Areas under MAHIR
Several areas have been identified for research under MAHIR. These include alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries, modifying electric cookers or pans to suit Indian cooking methods, using green hydrogen for mobility, Carbon capture, Geo-thermal energy, solid-state refrigeration, Nano technology for EV battery, and Indigenous CRGO technology.
Structure of the Mission
This mission operates under a two-tier structure. This comprises of a Technical Scoping Committee and an Apex Committee. The former identifies research areas, recommends potential technologies, and monitors approved research projects. The latter deliberates on technology and product development, approves research proposals, and explores international collaborations.
Scope of the Mission
Once research areas are approved, outcome-linked funding proposals will be invited globally. The selection of proposals will be based on Quality cum Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) basis. Pilot projects developed by Indian start-ups will be funded, and their commercialization will be facilitated. International collaboration and tech transfer will be encouraged.
Significance of the MAHIR
This mission is crucial for India’s domestic development, energy transition, and economic growth. By developing advanced technologies within the country, India can reduce its dependence on imports, enhance self-reliance, and promote domestic innovation. It aligns with the “Make in India” initiative and contributes to the growth of homegrown tech industries. The mission can foster the adoption of cleaner and greener energy sources, energy storage solutions, and carbon capture techniques—contributing to India’s commitment to combating climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. Furthermore, MAHIR plans to make India a manufacturing hub for advanced power technologies, attracting investments and creating job opportunities.
A Look at Previous Year Question (PYQ)
In the 2016 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a question was asked about the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India. The answer reveals that the purpose of this mission is not to launch a second green revolution or incorporate green accounting into budgets, but to restore and enhance forest cover and respond to climate change through both adaptation and mitigation measures.
