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Technology Mission Programme On Water And Clean Energy (TMPWCE) – IMPRI Impact And Policy Research Institute

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water and clean energy

Policy Update
Elenora Tu’u

Water scarcity is a threat to national growth in many aspects – The  Technology Mission Programme on Water and Clean Energy (TMPWCE) – launched by India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to ensure water and energy security through science-led innovation.  The programme’s vision is to holistically transform science and technology breakthroughs to fight contemporary challenges around water scarcity promoting reneawble energy.A mission that is focused on building an ecosystem that is agile  for a suitable S&T ecosystem economically, socially, and environmentally viable in terms of providing solutions.

Launched in August 2007, initially under DSTs Mission Framework. Technology Mission Programme on Water  and Clean Energy transitioned from  four different mini initiatives under DST,and since has seen an expansion into touching on clean energy R&D,  hydrogen, and fuel cells.  The relevance of this programme is to address fragmented sectoral structures that are problematic to contemporary challenges  in interstate water bodies, to administrative functions often subject to complex discourses. This explicitly highlights the need for S&T integration to evolutionize frameworks that enhance process failures on interstate disputes, assure public trust and affirm the government’s commitment in nation building – simply resolving water disputes within  national boundries.

The policy aims to address India’s complex water management problems, water disputes, interstate discourse around administrative operations, political ,and jurisdiction concerns and address structural inadequacies in water scaling by promoting  S&T intervention to redress emerging challenges. The main goal of the policy’s focus is to prevent water scarcity, in reference to the growing population of the country, and enhance environmental adaptation mechanisms on climate stress ,moreover positively reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This smart turn promotes safe and clean drinking water for the populous at affordable rates, reduces tensions, enhancing water management systems by scaling clean energy tech – via innovation support of S&T.

This transition improves various sectors, one being industrial production as such a country with a fiscal year contribution approximating 27.6% Gross Value Added  (GVA)according to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI) and RBI reports for fiscal year 2023-24. Moreover, the preliminary estimate for 2024-25 highlights a drop at 25.66%. This figure underscores the role of industrial production in manufacturing, shaping the nation’s economic landscape. Apparently emphasizing the significance of water’s role as an economic driver.The “Make in India” initiative by the government requires an integrated emphasis and interconnected strategic frameworks such as S&T interdisciplinary to achieve this. – requiring industrial sectors  contribution to national GDP moving forward making Technology Mission Programme on Water and Clean Energy crucial for S&T integration.

Additionally, spanning beneficiaries across rural communities and urban areas to access clean water, enabling energy researchers,manufacturing units in hydrogen and storage, starts – ups, and low – income households across the nation – through to utilize decentralized renewable solutions. This programme is crucial for continuous calls on reassessing the issues around water management nationwide, requiring  calls for insights to drive achievable outcomes via periodic research proposals (eg.,2018-19) and so forth. Investment in scalable and smart water infrastructure significantly enhances industrial GVA,especially in manufacturing and energy harvey sectors and other crucial sectors. Thus, for India’s economic growth trajectory, water smart industrialization is essential.

Functions

Technology Mission Programme on water and Clean Energy functions to address challenges on water scarcity and water management.

  • TMPWCE operates via verticals.
  • Water Energy Initiative 
  • Clean Energy Mission 
  • International collaboration
  • Technology validation
  • Under Governance: The program is/a
  • Monitored  via  DSTs Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology division -using DSTs MIS (Management Information Tools)
  • Reviews a conducted for policy adjustments (Peer or periodic reviews)
  • Challenges raised in Literature on functioning of the programme
  • Technology adaption gap – more often innovation remains at pilot stage.
  • Uncertainty in funding – despite improvement, recent focus on hydrogen and fuel cell projects suggest  improved continuity, this is because subsisting on periodic calls make it uncertain in funding.
    (indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in), (dst.gov.in ) 
  • IP commercialization – Sees lag in areas of research on industry read-tech an ongoing challenge.
  • Barrier in coordination – Often creates redundancy on overlaps with MNRE ( eg,Green Hydrogen Mission).
    (mnre.gov.in),( indiawaterportal.org ).

Performance of project progress – last three years

According to report on data sources used via DST annual reports, MIS dashboards,PIB, economic survey, MNRE budget documents ,and Clean Energy Ministerial Outcome, and CAG reviews.

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  • Budget  and Funding:  report under DST fiscal year for 2022 -23 accounts for Rs.3,500 – 4,000 crore both water tech and Energy combined; hence clean source,this includes MI and hydrogen received Rs.1,800 crore for fiscal year 2024( FY24)
    (pib.gov.in, dst.gov.in).
  • Additionally, cabinet note in 2023 shows Rs.50,000 crore approved for research integration under MI 2.0 phase.

Output on research.

  • Since 2019 under WTI grants 120 projects have been funded ,this include rural drinking water and industrial recycling.
  • Projects approved under DST & MI – 75 in 2022 -25 ; 25 hydrogen ,20 bioenergy prototypes,and 30 storage.
  •  At global stage : active participation of projects at MI 2023 Goa rounds and MI summit in Seoul 2025 early this year.
    iea.org, devdiscourse.com.

State wise

Major S&T states like Delhi,Karnataka,Maharashtra, Tamilnadu are where this project is concentrated  – Having all hubs for DST labs and incubation centers. More recently have seen Gujarat emerging in hydrogen start-ups.

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The TMPWCE has a nationwide scope, but its projects are concentrated in key states based on water and energy challenges.

The map highlights urban-rural integration, where solutions span advanced labs to remote habitations. 

Tamil Nadu hosts a major coastal pilot project on solar-thermal desalination in Ramanathapuram district. 

Moreover, Tripura implements low-cost rural water purification systems targeting waterborne diseases. Furthermore, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have adopted constructed wetlands for industrial wastewater treatment. In addition, Kerala features collaborative water quality and arsenic filtration research near Vembanad Lake. Followed by Maharashtra, home to IIT Bombay’s Centre of Excellence for Desalination Technology. The programme supports Northeast and Himalayan states (e.g., Sikkim, J&K, Himachal) under its Water Technology Initiative. Since then, DST has identified “water-challenged sites” across India, guiding site-specific interventions. This spatial spread shown in the map reflects TMPWCE’s mission to address water-energy issues through regionally adaptive S&T solutions.

Impact through project progress.

Reports record 2021-24 saw  30-40% reduction in cost – this is verified by NGOs and several municipality bodies.

  • Water access and quality improved – reaching 150+ rural habitations through WTI backed pilot systems  using sensor based monitoring  and low cost filtration.
  • Integration of Clean Energy – through R&D setting the foundation of NTPC Andra plant with effective implementation mechanism and progress – pilot green hydrogen, 20 GW RE input –indiawaterportal.com 
  • Furthermore, participation of MI & CEM boost national clean energy policy  seen through budget commitment, research and Private Investment Interest (PII).
  • Other progressive spill overs – credible gains vs. challenges.
  • It has been noted that several prototypes advanced to incubators according to a india times article supported by NISE and DST.
  • Presence of CEM8 in MI 2025 – highlights global engagement  and recognition.

Despite strides made,reports note that RE capacity rates at 30% since 2010 fiscal year  – this show lack in integration of grid and financing. Moreover, the integration of water energy nexus in industrial clusters has been noted as limited.

Emerging issue and recommended actions.

Emerging issuesActions recommended
Fragmented governance Create inter- ministry coordination under NITI Aayog
Delays in Pilot to Deployment Requires established co-funded deployment grants.
IP Communication barriersInitiate a scheme on innovation to market schemes and IP support hubs to enhance communication.
Regional disparities Strenthern tier ⅔ states  through regionally.
Weak industrial adoptionEncourage the adsorption of ESG linked incentives to strengthen nexus technologies progress
Poor outcome visibility Encourage the integration of open access dashboards that will ensure real time tracking update for progress assessment and positive impact KPI

Way Forward

The programme under TMPWCE aligns with India’s sustainable development strategy in line with SDG 13  on global climate commitment to reduce CO2 emission and its impact. As a nation, strengthening resilience to climate related hazards. Moreover, it remains a foundational framework to drive India’s commitment towards water security and clean energy transition through S&T adaptation mechanisms. Its synergy with programs on global initiatives like Green Hydrogen Mission, MI 2.0 and Clean Energy Ministerial gives it strategic clout.

To meet the goals of New India 2030. TMWCE must 

  • Enhance data integrated dashboards that are open access  to improve cross sector coordination and assessment.
  • Accelerate state and commercialization capacity 
  • Enhance governance through inter-ministerial sectors among DST, MNRE, and Jal Shakti for effective coordination  and implementation of programs or projects.

These reforms under TMPWCE can become a cornerstone or foundational framework for India’s commitment in assuming global climate reduction through India’s clean energy and water secure future. Highlighting the government’s support as a nation through S&T adaptation strategy.

Selected References

About  the contributor: Elenora Tu’u is an undergraduate student specializing in Politics and Public Policy. This article is published as part of her course work with the IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute.

Acknowledgement– The author extends her sincere gratitude to Aasthaba Jadeja and fellow interns, who provided guidance throughout the process. 

Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

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