The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has invited proposals from startups for pilot projects focused on green hydrogen production and utilisation. The bids are to be submitted by October 13, 2025. The initiative is part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which has a budget allocation of ₹194 billion under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Revised programme guidelines have been issued to cover additional areas, including the residential, commercial and decentralised sectors, which were not part of earlier phases.

The call for proposals is aimed at encouraging startups to develop innovative solutions across green hydrogen production, storage, transport, safety and end-use applications. Each approved project will be eligible for financial support of up to ₹1 billion. Individual startups can receive a maximum of ₹50 million or 80 per cent of the total equipment cost, whichever is lower. The financial assistance will be disbursed in phases, with 20 per cent released upon award of the project, another 20 per cent at 25 per cent project completion, 50 per cent at 75 per cent completion, and the remaining 10 per cent upon full completion.

To ensure accountability, selected startups will be required to submit a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 5 per cent of the disbursed financial aid. Eligible startups must be less than 10 years old and have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹1 billion. The support will initially be provided for two years, with the possibility of extension by one year based on performance and justified need.

Earlier this year, in May 2025, MNRE and the European Union’s Trade and Technology Council (TTC) jointly invited bids for generating renewable hydrogen from agricultural, forest, and industrial biogenic waste. The two entities agreed to co-fund the initiative with ₹900 million, under which up to two projects will be selected.

Source: 

https://www.mercomindia.com/nise-invites-bids-for-pilot-projects-on-green-hydrogen-technologies