Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)

Background and Context

The energy sector is undergoing rapid change worldwide—shift towards renewables, green hydrogen, storage technologies, and carbon capture. For India, which has committed to achieve Net Zero by 2070, it is necessary to not only adopt but also indigenously develop these technologies.

With this vision, the Government launched Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) in 2023.

Purpose of MAHIR

👉 To promote indigenous research, development, and demonstration of emerging technologies in the power sector.

• Instead of depending entirely on foreign technology, India aims to develop its own ecosystem from “Idea to Product”.

Tenure

• Duration: 2023–24 to 2027–28 (5 years).

Objectives of MAHIR

1. Identify emerging technologies relevant to India’s future energy needs.
2. Create a vibrant innovation ecosystem in the power sector.
3. Support pilot projects of indigenous technologies and facilitate their commercialization.
4. Promote foreign collaborations and partnerships to accelerate R&D.
5. Position India among the leading nations in the global power system.

Focus Areas for Research (8 identified areas)

• Green hydrogen for mobility (High-efficiency fuel cells).
• Modifying electric cookers/pans to suit Indian cooking methods.
• Alternatives to Lithium-ion storage batteries.
• Indigenous CRGO technology (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented steel for transformers).
• Nano-technology for EV batteries.
• Solid-state refrigeration.
• Geo-thermal energy.
• Carbon capture.

👉 These areas cover everything from household-level solutions (cookers) to national-level clean energy technologies (hydrogen, carbon capture).

Structure of the Mission

1. Technical Scoping Committee
   • Chaired by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) (statutory body under Electricity Act, 2003).
   • Role: Identify technologies, recommend projects, monitor progress.
2. Apex Committee
   • Chaired by Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy.
   • Role: Approve proposals, oversee international collaborations, monitor outcomes.

Implementation Features

• Proposal Invitation: From companies and organizations globally.
• Selection Method: Quality-cum-Cost Based Selection (QCBS) – balances innovation with cost efficiency.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Shared between Government of India and the research agency.
• Evaluation: Independent third-party review for transparency and accountability.
• Funding: From
  • Ministry of Power,
  • Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE),
  • Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs),
  • Government budgetary resources.

Significance of MAHIR

• Helps India achieve Net Zero Emissions.
• Meets the growing energy demand in a sustainable way.
• Encourages Make in India and Start-up India in the energy sector.
• Contributes towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

✅ In short:
MAHIR is India’s effort to own the future of power technology—from green hydrogen and battery storage to carbon capture and geo-thermal energy. By investing in indigenous R&D today, India aims to achieve energy security, sustainability, and global leadership tomorrow.