Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research

Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)

The Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR), recently launched by the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, is an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming India's power sector through research and development (R&D) of advanced technologies. The mission focuses on enhancing India’s indigenous capabilities, promoting technological innovation, and contributing to the global energy transition.

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Key Details of MAHIR
Objectives:

1. Emerging Technologies: Identifying and developing emerging technologies that are crucial for the future of the global power sector.
2. Collaborative Platform: Creating a platform for collective brainstorming and technology development among various stakeholders in the power sector.
3. Supporting Indigenous Start-ups: Funding pilot projects for technologies developed by Indian start-ups and facilitating their commercialization.
4. Leveraging International Alliances: Encouraging international partnerships for the development, transfer, and commercialization of advanced technologies.
5. Promoting R&D: Promoting scientific and industrial research to foster innovation in the power sector.
6. Positioning India Globally: Ensuring India becomes a global leader in power-related technologies and applications.

Funding:

• Pooling Resources: The mission will be funded by pooling resources from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under these ministries.
• Additional Funding: Additional funds, if necessary, will be mobilized through the Government of India's budget.

Areas Identified for Research under MAHIR:

• Alternatives to Lithium-Ion Batteries: Exploring alternatives for more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions.
• Electric Cookers/Pans: Modifying electric cooking appliances to better suit Indian cooking methods.
• Green Hydrogen for Mobility: High-efficiency fuel cells for mobility using green hydrogen.
• Carbon Capture: Developing technologies to capture and store carbon emissions.
• Geothermal Energy: Harnessing geothermal energy as a renewable resource.
• Solid State Refrigeration: Innovations in refrigeration technologies.
• Nano Technology for EV Batteries: Leveraging nanotechnology to improve electric vehicle (EV) battery performance.
• Indigenous CRGO Technology: Developing domestic capabilities in Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) steel, critical for transformers.

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Structure of the Mission
The MAHIR mission follows a two-tier structure:

1. Apex Committee:
   • Role: This committee deliberates on technology and product development, approves research proposals, and manages international collaborations.
   • Chairperson: The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy chairs the Apex Committee.
2. Technical Scoping Committee:
   • Role: Identifies research areas, recommends technologies, and monitors ongoing research projects.
   • Chairperson: The Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority leads this committee.
   • Support: The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bengaluru, will provide secretarial assistance to both committees.

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Scope of the Mission

• Research Areas: Once the research areas are identified and approved, funding proposals will be invited globally.
• Quality cum Cost-Based Selection: A QCBS basis will be used to select proposals for funding.
• Pilot Projects: The mission will support pilot projects by Indian start-ups and help in their commercialization.
• International Collaboration: The mission encourages technology transfer and international collaborations.

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Significance of MAHIR

1. Indigenous Development:
   • The mission aligns with India's goal of self-reliance and "Make in India" initiative by focusing on indigenous technology development. It will reduce reliance on foreign imports and promote domestic manufacturing capabilities in the power sector.
2. Energy Transition and Net Zero Emissions:
   • MAHIR will play a crucial role in supporting India’s energy transition towards cleaner, greener sources. Technologies like green hydrogen, energy storage solutions, and carbon capture can significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint and support its journey towards net-zero emissions.
3. Economic Growth and Manufacturing Hub:
   • The mission aims to position India as a global hub for manufacturing advanced power technologies. The development of these technologies will attract investments, foster innovation-driven industries, and create job opportunities, contributing to India's economic growth.

Key Takeaways
By focusing on cutting-edge technologies, indigenous development, and global collaboration, MAHIR is expected to catalyze India’s leadership in the future power sector and promote sustainable energy practices worldwide.

Mind Sprint
Sankeerthana Sharma