India and the European Union (EU) have jointly launched two major research initiatives in May 2025 under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) to address marine pollution and develop green hydrogen from waste. These projects are supported by a combined investment of ₹391 crore (approximately €41 million).
Background:
The TTC was established in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to boost strategic collaboration in trade and technology.
First Initiative – Marine Pollution:
- Focus: Tackling marine plastic litter, microplastics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants.
- Funded by: EU and India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Goals:
- Develop tools for monitoring and reducing marine pollution.
- Support India’s National Marine Litter Policy and the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan.
- Contribute to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Second Initiative – Green Hydrogen from Waste:
- Focus: Producing green hydrogen from biogenic waste (agricultural, municipal, and industrial).
- Funded by: EU and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
- Aligns with: EU Hydrogen Strategy and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Aim: Develop cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen production technologies.
