India Fuels Green Heat Revolution: Up to ₹2 Crore for Concentrated Solar Projects
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India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has just launched a major initiative, inviting proposals for projects that aim to replace dirty fossil fuels with clean solar heat in factories, offering up to ₹2 crore (about $240,000 USD) in support per project. This move, under the Renewable Energy Research and Technology Development (RE-RTD) Programme, is a big step towards making Indian industries more eco-friendly and energy independent. This isn't just about grants; it's a strategic push to identify and develop commercially viable solar thermal solutions that can seamlessly integrate into existing industrial processes across various sectors like automotive, food processing, chemicals, and textiles. The program focuses on advanced Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) technologies, including systems like parabolic troughs and power towers, which can provide a wide range of temperatures needed for different factory jobs, even storing heat for use after sunset. Companies, start-ups, and private research groups have until October 7, 2026, to submit their ideas through the MNRE research portal. Successful pilot projects will not only receive up to 50% capital support, potentially through Viability Gap Funding, but will also set a blueprint for wider adoption, helping India meet its climate goals and reduce reliance on costly imported fuels.