India and EU Join Forces for Marine Pollution Green Hydrogen Research
Under the aegis of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), India and the European Union have jointly launched two significant research and innovation calls.
A combined investment of ₹391 crore (~€41 million) underpins initiatives targeting marine plastic litter and the conversion of waste into green hydrogen. The TTC, formed in 2022 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation on trade and technology. These initiatives are co-funded by Horizon Europe— the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation—alongside respective government bodies in India. Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, underscored the importance of collaborative research. “Collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation. These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges,” he said. H.E. Mr. Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, highlighted the dynamic nature of the partnership: “By tackling concrete issues like marine pollution and sustainable energy together, we’re driving innovation, promoting a circular economy, and advancing energy efficiency. Our combined efforts make both economic and environmental sense.”
The first research call targets the pressing challenge of marine plastic pollution. This initiative, co-funded by the EU (12 million/9.3 million), seeks innovative tools to monitor and mitigate the impact of pollutants—from microplastics to heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants. The research will support international commitments including the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, as well as align with the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan and India’s National Marine Litter Policy. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed, “Marine pollution is a global concern that requires collective action. This joint call will enable us to develop advanced tools and strategies to protect our marine ecosystems.” The second coordinated call aims to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly methods to convert biogenic waste into green hydrogen. This initiative is supported by the EU (€10 million/€9.3 million). The effort is designed to align with the EU’s Hydrogen Strategy and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, ultimately aiding in greenhouse gas reduction and enhanced energy security. Mr. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, remarked, “Advancing waste-to-hydrogen technologies is crucial for our energy transition goals. This collaboration will accelerate the development of sustainable hydrogen production methods.”
This dual approach, addressing both marine plastic pollution and renewable energy production from waste, marks a significant step in the India-EU partnership. The initiatives reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development and are poised to deliver tangible benefits in terms of environmental protection and energy innovation. As both parties proceed with these groundbreaking research calls, the collaborative efforts represent a forward-thinking strategy to address some of the most challenging environmental issues of our time—reinforcing the role of international cooperation in driving sustainable progress.
