- विज्ञापन -
In a significant step toward addressing environmental and energy challenges, India and the European Union have launched two ambitious research and innovation initiatives focused on marine plastic pollution and converting waste into green hydrogen. These initiatives come under the framework of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), which was established in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to enhance strategic cooperation in areas of mutual interest. With a combined investment of Rs 391 crore, the two initiatives represent a coordinated effort to find practical, scalable solutions to global issues—one targeting marine plastic litter (MPL) and the other focusing on waste-to-green-hydrogen (W2GH) technology.
The research calls are jointly funded by Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme, and the Indian government. Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, described the projects as a step forward in leveraging scientific expertise across borders. “Collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation,” he said. “These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges. “Herve Delphin, the EU’s Ambassador to India, highlighted the growing momentum of the India-EU scientific p ar tn e rs h i p. “
Th e se research calls under the EU-India Trade and Te c h n o l o g y C o u n c i l demonstrate the dynamism of our partnership, renewed by our leaders in Delhi earlier this year,” he said. “By working together on pressing issues like marine pollution and sustainable energy, we are driving innovation and promoting a circular economy and energy efficiency. This makes sense both economically and environmentally.” Marine plastic pollution remains a major threat to ocean biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, despite increasing global awareness and cleanup efforts. Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary at India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, underscored the urgency of the issue.
“Marine pollution is a global concern that requires collective action. This joint initiative will help develop advanced tools and strategies to protect our marine ecosystems,” he said. The second research call, focused on converting waste into green hydrogen, addresses a critical component of the global clean energy transition. Green hydrogen is increasingly seen as a clean fuel alternative that can help decarbonise sectors like heavy industry and transportation. However, producing it sustainably and economically remains a technological challenge.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, emphasised the role this partnership could play in accelerating India’s clean energy goals. “Advancing w a s t e – t o – h y d r o g e n technologies is crucial for our energy transition targets. This collaboration will speed up the development of sustainable hydrogen production methods,” he said.
The two initiatives mark another chapter in the growing cooperation between India and the European Union in tackling global environmental and technological challenges. As both partners work toward a greener and more sustainable future, these research projects are expected to yield innovative solutions with long-term impact.
