The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have collaborated to launch the National Mission MAHIR. This mission aims to identify and develop emerging technologies in the power sector, fostering indigenous innovation for both domestic and international deployment. The Mission will receive financial support from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and the Central Public Sector Enterprises, with additional funding from the Government of India’s budgetary resources. The mission is set to span an initial period of five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28.
Areas of Research
Under National Mission MAHIR, eight key areas have been identified for intensive research and development:
- Alternatives to Lithium-Ion Storage Batteries:
- Exploring alternative energy storage technologies to reduce reliance on lithium-ion batteries.
- Enhancing energy storage efficiency, durability, and affordability for widespread adoption.
- Researching and developing indigenous solutions to promote self-sufficiency.
- Modifying Electric Cookers/Pans for Indian Cooking Methods:
- Adapting electric cookers and pans to meet the requirements of traditional Indian cooking methods.
- Enhancing efficiency, safety, and ease of use for a seamless transition to electric cooking.
- Encouraging sustainable practices in the culinary domain.
- Green Hydrogen for Mobility (High Efficiency Fuel Cell):
- Developing high-efficiency fuel cells powered by green hydrogen for transportation.
- Promoting clean and sustainable mobility options to reduce carbon emissions.
- Researching methods to produce green hydrogen at scale for widespread adoption.
- Carbon Capture:
- Investigating technologies to capture and store carbon emissions from power generation and industrial processes.
- Developing cost-effective and efficient carbon capture techniques to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Exploring innovative approaches to convert captured carbon into useful products.
- Geo-Thermal Energy:
- Harnessing the geothermal energy potential in India for power generation.
- Developing technologies to extract and utilize heat from the Earth’s interior.
- Promoting geothermal energy as a reliable and sustainable source of power.
- Solid State Refrigeration:
- Advancing solid-state refrigeration technologies as an alternative to conventional cooling systems.
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact in the refrigeration sector.
- Developing indigenous solutions to address specific cooling requirements in India.
- Nano Technology for EV Battery:
- Leveraging nanotechnology for the development of advanced batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
- Enhancing energy storage capacity, charging speed, and overall performance of EV batteries.
- Promoting the adoption of EVs to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb pollution.
- Indigenous CRGO Technology:
- Researching and developing indigenous technologies for the production of Cold Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) electrical steel.
- Enhancing the efficiency of transformers and power equipment through the use of high-quality CRGO steel.
- Reducing dependence on imports and promoting self-reliance in the power sector.
Mission Structure
To ensure effective implementation and coordination, the National Mission MAHIR will adopt a two-tier structure:
- Technical Scoping Committee:
- Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority.
- Responsible for identifying ongoing and emerging research areas globally.
- Recommending potential technologies for development under the mission.
- Apex Committee:
- Chaired by the Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy.
- Tasked with deliberating on the technology and products to be developed under the mission.
- Approving research proposals and providing strategic guidance for successful execution.
Important Points:
- National Mission MAHIR aims to develop emerging technologies in the power sector 🚀
- Funding will be pooled from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises 💰
- Mission duration: 5 years from 2023-24 to 2027-28 ⏳
- Eight key research areas identified:
- Alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries ⚡️
- Modifying electric cookers/pans for Indian cooking methods 🍳
- Green hydrogen for mobility (High Efficiency Fuel Cell) 🌿
- Carbon capture 🌍
- Geo-thermal energy 🔥
- Solid state refrigeration ❄️
- Nano technology for EV battery 🔬
- Indigenous CRGO technology ⚙️
- Mission structure:
- Technical Scoping Committee, chaired by the Chairperson of Central Electricity Authority 🧪
- Apex Committee, chaired by the Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy 📋
Why In News
The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are collaborating to introduce National Mission MAHIR, an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering skill development and employment generation in the renewable energy sector. With a focus on empowering the youth and creating a skilled workforce, this joint effort is set to drive India’s clean energy transition and contribute to sustainable development goals.
MCQs about National Mission MAHIR
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What is the objective of National Mission MAHIR?
A. To promote international collaboration in the power sector
B. To develop emerging technologies in the power sector
C. To prioritize fossil fuel-based energy solutions
D. To discourage the use of renewable energy sources
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How will the National Mission MAHIR be funded?
A. Solely by the Ministry of Power
B. By pooling financial resources from multiple ministries and enterprises
C. Through international grants and donations
D. By relying on private sector investments
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Which of the following is NOT one of the identified research areas under National Mission MAHIR?
A. Carbon capture
B. Solar energy optimization
C. Solid state refrigeration
D. Nano technology for EV battery
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Who chairs the Apex Committee of National Mission MAHIR?
A. Chairperson of Central Electricity Authority
B. Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy
C. Prime Minister of India
D. Secretary of the Ministry of Power
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