Funding
Projects approved under the IHRD and RSoP schemes may be funded by the Ministry of Power in accordance with the approved scheme provisions. Projects under NPP are ordinarily expected to have participation from a collaborating industry/beneficiary, with the funding pattern generally being 50% Ministry of Power and 50% collaborating industry. Relaxation in the industry contribution requirement, wherever permitted under the approved scheme, may be considered by the Competent Authority based on the nature, strategic importance and merits of the proposal.
The maximum financial support from the Ministry of Power for an individual project shall be limited to ₹5.00 crore. Any expenditure/project cost beyond the admissible Ministry of Power share shall be met by the Project Implementing Organization, collaborating industry/utility and/or other permissible funding sources, as applicable.
Components of financial outlay of the project
The project cost may include admissible expenditure towards equipment/instruments, consumables, project staff engaged on a temporary basis, travel, field trials, testing/validation, consultancy/specialized services, hiring charges, contingency/miscellaneous expenditure and institutional overheads, subject to the approved scheme norms and scrutiny by CPRI/Technical Committee.
Institutional overheads may be provided as per the approved scheme norms. Proposals primarily involving only simulation studies, routine studies or procurement of expensive software/equipment without substantial R&D content, measurable deliverables and a clear technology-development/validation pathway are generally not encouraged.
Salary of permanent staff of the Project Implementing Organization shall normally not be charged to the project. Cost of temporary research/project manpower engaged specifically for the project may be considered as per applicable norms.
Expert Review
Proposals submitted to CPRI are subjected to external expert review and techno-economic evaluation before consideration by the Technical Committee(s) constituted for the R&D schemes. The review assesses the identified power-sector problem, novelty, methodology, technical feasibility, project cost, measurable outputs/outcomes, Technology Readiness Level (TRL), field-validation plan, adoption potential and relevance to national power-sector priorities.
The R&D schemes are supported by domain-specific Technical Committees covering: (i) Transmission, (ii) Generation–Thermal, (iii) Generation–Hydro, (iv) Grid, Distribution & Energy Conservation, and (v) Renewable Energy & Energy Storage.
Techno-Economic Evaluation
The Technical Committees, comprising experts from academia, CEA, CPRI, utilities, industry and other relevant organizations, evaluate project proposals. Principal Investigators are normally required to present and defend their proposals before the concerned Technical Committee. The Committee examines technical merit, cost reasonableness, deliverables, milestones, beneficiary involvement, field validation, scale-up/adoption pathway and expected impact on the power sector before making its recommendation.
Project Approval and Commencement
Projects recommended by the Technical Committee with project outlay up to ₹1.00 crore (for IHRD and NPP) may be approved by the Director General, CPRI. Projects above ₹1.00 crore and all projects under NPP shall be placed before the Standing Committee on R&D (SCRD), chaired by the Chairperson, CEA, for consideration/approval in accordance with the approved scheme provisions.
After approval, CPRI and the Project Implementing Organization shall complete the prescribed administrative formalities, including execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/agreement, before release of funds and commencement of the project.
Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR)
Principal Investigators shall submit quarterly technical and financial progress reports in the prescribed format within the stipulated time. The reports shall indicate progress against milestones, deliverables, expenditure, risks/issues and corrective actions.
Fund Utilization Certificate (UC)
Utilization Certificates and expenditure statements shall be submitted in the prescribed format, duly authenticated by the competent finance/accounts authority of the Project Implementing Organization. Satisfactory technical progress and submission/acceptance of the required financial documents shall be prerequisites for release of subsequent instalments.
Project Monitoring
The R&D Management Division, CPRI monitors the projects through QPRs, financial reports, review meetings, Technical Committee reviews, site/field visits and/or video conferencing, as required. Progress shall be assessed against the approved objectives, milestones, deliverables, expenditure, TRL advancement and field-validation/adoption plan.
Project Completion & Technical Report
On completion, the Project Implementing Organization/Principal Investigator shall submit the prescribed completion documents and final technical report and present the project outcomes before the concerned Technical Committee. Completion shall be considered based on achievement of the approved objectives, deliverables and outcomes, including demonstration/validation, wherever applicable.
Dissemination
Information on technologies/products/processes developed under the schemes may be disseminated through the CPRI website, reports, workshops, seminars, publications and other appropriate channels, subject to applicable IPR, confidentiality and commercialization provisions. Project Investigators are encouraged to facilitate wider dissemination and adoption of successful outcomes.
Who Can Submit the Proposal?
1. Power Utilities
2. Academic Institutions
3. R&D Institutions
4. Manufacturers / Industry in collaboration with Academia
Collaborative proposals involving academia/research institutions with utilities, manufacturers and/or intended beneficiaries are encouraged. Proposals from individuals in their personal capacity are not accepted.
When and How to Submit a Proposal?
1. Research proposals shall be submitted against generic/specific Calls for Proposals issued by CPRI under the R&D schemes.
2. The prescribed proposal formats, thrust areas, eligibility requirements and other instructions shall be made available on the CPRI website along with the relevant Call for Proposals.
3. Proposals shall be submitted through the Head of the Institution/authorized institutional authority in the manner specified in the Call for Proposals.
4. The Principal Investigator shall be required to present/defend the proposal before the concerned Technical Committee, as applicable.
