General Information on Proposal Submission
Funding:
The projects approved under IHRD and RSoP schemes will be fully funded by the Ministry of Power. Projects under the NPP scheme are expected to be 50% funded by MoP and 50% by a collaborating industry.
Components of financial outlay of the project:
The project proposal's expenditure, including equipment, instruments, travel, consultancy, hiring charges for temporary research staff, overheads, and miscellaneous costs, can be included in the project's cost. Overhead charges of 10% are generally allowed. Projects focused solely on simulation studies or expensive software purchases are not encouraged.
Inclusion of salary component for permanent research staff is discouraged.
However, costs for hiring temporary research staff for the project duration are acceptable.
Expert Review:
Proposals submitted to CPRI are sent to external experts from various institutions for techno-economic evaluation by a Technical Committee constituted by MoP. There are four technical committees focused on specific domains: Transmission, Generation-Thermal, Generation-Hydro, and Grid/Distribution/Energy Conservation.
Techno-Economic Evaluation:
The Technical Committee, chaired by professors from IITs with industry participation, reviews the project proposals. Principal Investigators usually defend their projects in meetings. The Committee evaluates deliverables and impact on the utility/power sector before recommending the proposal for approval.
Project Approval and Commencement:
Proposals approved by the Technical Committee are presented to the Competent Authority for approval. The Director General of CPRI is the approving authority for proposals with an outlay up to Rs 50 lakhs, while the SCRD, chaired by the CEA Chairperson, evaluates and approves projects with higher outlays.
Quarterly Progress Reports (QPR):
Principal Investigators must submit quarterly technical and financial progress reports within a month of each quarter's end. The 1st quarter starts in April of every financial year, and reports are to be submitted in prescribed formats.
Fund Utilization Certificate (UC):
Principal Investigators must submit a Fund Utilization Certificate immediately after fund exhaustion. Satisfactory progress and submission of UCs are prerequisites for further funding installments.
Project Monitoring:
The R&D Management department monitors projects by analyzing QPR and UC submissions. The Technical Committee reviews project progress, sometimes via meetings in Bengaluru or at the investigator’s organization, or through video conferencing.
Project Completion & Technical Report:
The investigating agency must present their completed project to the Technical Committee. CPRI scrutinizes and analyzes final project results before the Technical Committee declares the project completed.
Dissemination:
Information on developed technologies/products is available on CPRI’s website. Project Investigators are encouraged to hold workshops and seminars for knowledge dissemination.
Who Can Submit the Proposal?
1. Power Utilities
2. Academic Institutes
3. R&D Institutes
4. Manufacturers
Collaborative proposals are encouraged. Projects from individuals are not accepted.
When and How to Submit a Proposal?
1. Research proposals can be sent at any time during the year to CPRI.
2. Formats for submission are available on CPRI’s website or by writing to the Head, R&D Management Division.
3. Proposals should be submitted through the head of the institution to CPRI after recommendation by external subject experts.
4. The Principal Investigator must present the proposal to the Technical Committee.
