The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued the second call for proposals (CfP) under the program for “Funding of testing facilities, infrastructure, and institutional support for development of standards and regulatory framework” as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

The proposals must be submitted by September 10, 2025.

The first CfP was issued last August.

The second CfP invites eligible government organizations, including testing agencies, research and development institutes, academic institutions, public sector undertakings, and autonomous bodies, to set up or upgrade hydrogen testing and certification facilities in India.

In case of consortium proposals, a lead agency will act as the executing agency with identified lead and collaborator representatives. Entities must have the necessary accreditations. If hydrogen testing is not part of their mandate, they must incorporate it within one month of grant approval. The developed facilities must be accessible to all users and not serve as captive units.

The program provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of up to 100% of the capital cost for equipment, installation, and commissioning for government entities, and similar funding for the government partner in government–private consortia, with private partners contributing financially or technically.

Up to 15% of the support can cover operational expenses for up to four years post-completion. CFA cannot be used for land or building costs. Funding will be disbursed in instalments, 20% on project award and acceptance, 40% on 25% completion, 30% on 75% completion, and the final 10% upon completion, subject to verification.

New facility projects must be completed within 18 months of the first instalment, while upgrades must finish within 12 months. Extensions of up to six months may be approved by the project appraisal committee (PAC). Ministerial approval and a 1% penalty of MNRE support apply for delays beyond this period.

Proposals will be evaluated on technical parameters with 70% weightage from the assessment criteria and 30% from PAC evaluation. Selected applicants will receive a letter of award through the National Institute of Solar Energy, after which they must provide acceptance, bank details, and execute the project per the approved scope. Yearly operational reports for five years after completion, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation, and adherence to safety and regulatory approvals are mandatory.

The program is being implemented until 2026 with a total outlay of ₹2 billion (~$22.81 million). It aims to address gaps in testing facilities for components, technologies, and processes in the green hydrogen value chain by creating new infrastructure, upgrading existing centres, and ensuring safety, quality, and performance compliance

The NGHM was launched on January 4, 2023, with an outlay of ₹197.44 billion (~$2.25 billion), seeking to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.