BIRAC ‘call for proposals’ for Rs. 100 crore biomass-to-green hydrogen projects

The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has invited proposals for pilot projects to produce green hydrogen using biomass-based and other innovative technologies, with the deadline set for January 27, 2026. The initiative aims to demonstrate emerging pathways and decentralised applications supporting India’s clean energy transition.

The document reads Call for Proposals (CfP) for “Implementation of Pilot Projects for Production of Green Hydrogen from Biomass-based and other Innovative Technology-based Interventions”

BIRAC has allocated Rs 100 crore as central financial assistance, with funding capped at Rs 25 crore per project. Selected bidders may receive up to 100% support for eligible equipment costs. Grant disbursement will be milestone-based, starting with a release upon award and agreement signing, followed by tranches linked to procurement, commissioning, and completion after six months of operation.

The tender focuses on capital expenditure for equipment, retrofitting, and technology deployment for producing green hydrogen and its derivatives through innovative routes. It excludes recurring and operational expenses such as manpower, consumables, renewable power sourcing, land and water procurement, and civil construction.

Supported pathways include floating solar-based systems, biomass-to-hydrogen routes, and hydrogen derived from wastewater. The programme also seeks to validate decentralised use cases, including green hydrogen for cooking, heating, off-grid electricity generation, and off-road mobility.

BIRAC also aims to assess the feasibility of using green hydrogen in residential and commercial appliances, including integration with city gas networks and community-level applications, while demonstrating safe use in newer sectors.

Proposals must be based on technologies at readiness level 5 or 6, indicating laboratory validation and readiness for pilot deployment. Pilot plants must be commissioned within 12 months of signing the grant agreement, followed by a six-month demonstration period, with the total project duration capped at 18 months.

The guidelines allow extensions, though delays may attract penalties. Selected bidders must furnish a bank guarantee equal to 20% of the sanctioned amount and comply with reporting, audit, inspection requirements. Projects with identified off-takers will be prioritised during evaluation.

BIRAC is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt of India.