India and the European Union have launched two major joint research projects aimed at addressing marine pollution and producing green hydrogen from waste. Announced under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the initiatives are supported by a combined investment of ₹391 crore (around €41 million), reflecting the growing partnership between the two sides in science and technology, reports DD News.
The TTC was set up in 2022 following an agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It serves as a key platform to deepen cooperation between India and the EU in trade and technological innovation.
One of the newly announced projects will focus on reducing marine pollution, especially plastic waste and harmful pollutants like microplastics, heavy metals, and organic compounds. The research, co-funded by the European Union and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to develop tools to monitor, assess, and mitigate the impact of these pollutants on marine life. This work will support international goals such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science and align with national policies like India’s Marine Litter Policy and the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.
Speaking at the launch, India’s Principal Scientific Adviser Professor Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted the role of collaborative research in tackling shared environmental challenges. EU Ambassador to India Hervé Delphin emphasized that the partnership showcases how both sides are working together to protect the environment and advance sustainable energy.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, pointed out that marine pollution is a global issue and welcomed the initiative as a much-needed step towards protecting marine biodiversity.
The second research initiative will focus on developing methods to produce green hydrogen using waste. Backed by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the EU, this project aims to convert agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste into hydrogen fuel in an affordable and sustainable way. The effort supports both the EU’s Hydrogen Strategy and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, called the collaboration a sign of the shared commitment to sustainable development. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said this work is crucial for achieving India’s clean energy.
Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, praised the partnership and investment as a strong example of joint dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Both projects have opened calls for proposals this month, inviting researchers from India and the EU to join forces and contribute to the development of technologies that can make a real difference in environmental protection and renewable energy.
