India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major collaborative research projects under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), aiming to deliver innovative solutions to marine pollution and green hydrogen production from waste. Backed by a combined investment of ₹391 crore (€41 million), these initiatives mark a major stride in strengthening bilateral ties in science, technology, and sustainability. The TTC was established in 2022 by the Indian Prime Minister and European Commission President. It serves as a high-level platform for deepening cooperation in trade, technology, and innovation.
Project 1: Combatting Marine Pollution Through Innovation
The first project focuses on reducing marine plastic litter and pollutants. These include microplastics, heavy metals, and organic compounds that threaten ocean ecosystems. Co-funded by the EU and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, the initiative will create advanced tools to monitor and mitigate the impact of marine pollution.
This research aligns with key international and national efforts such as:
*The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
*India’s National Marine Litter Policy
*The EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan
“Collaborative research plays a pivotal role in addressing shared environmental challenges,” noted Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin emphasized that the partnership reflects the growing momentum in EU-India cooperation for sustainable development. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, added, “Marine pollution is a global concern that demands collaborative solutions to protect marine biodiversity.”
Project 2: Turning Waste into Green Hydrogen
The second project focuses on developing sustainable, waste-to-hydrogen technologies. This initiative is jointly supported by the EU and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It will explore cost-effective methods to convert biogenic waste—including agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste—into green hydrogen.
This project directly supports the goals of:
*The EU Hydrogen Strategy
*India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said, “This partnership is a testament to the shared commitment to sustainable development.” Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, MNRE, highlighted that these technologies are key to meeting India’s clean energy targets. He also emphasized their role in fostering a circular economy.
Global Investment for a Cleaner Future
Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, underlined the scale of investment and cooperation. He called it “a clear demonstration of India and the EU’s joint commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Open Call for Joint Proposals
The calls for proposals under both initiatives are now officially open, inviting Indian and European researchers to collaborate on cutting-edge solutions. As reported by ddnews.gov.in, the joint efforts are poised to drive transformative technologies that tackle environmental degradation and advance renewable energy innovation.
