New Delhi, 16 May (IANS). India and the European Union (EU) have introduced two major research and innovation initiatives, which are associated with sea-hydrogen solutions with sea plastic waste (MPL) and garbage.
This initiative has been launched under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). TTC was founded in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission Chairman Ursula von Der Leyen to strengthen bilateral partnership on trade and technology.
With a joint investment of Rs 391 crore, the initiative is focused on two coordinated calls in areas of sea plastic garbage (marine plastic litter) and garbage from Green Hydrogen (W2GH). It has been co-assassinated by the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework program ‘Horizon Europe’ and the Government of India.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government, said, “The association is the cornerstone of ‘innovation’. These initiatives will develop such solutions using the powers of Indian and European researchers to solve our shared environmental challenges.”
The European Union Ambassador to India Harve Delphin said, “These research initiatives under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council showcase the dynamics of the European Union and India partnership, which was renewed by our leaders in Delhi in February.”
Delphin said, “By dealing with solid issues like marine pollution and sustainable energy together, we are advancing innovation, circular economy and energy efficiency. The development of cutting edge technology in these areas is both economically and environmentally intelligent.
Despite global efforts, marine pollution is endangering biodiversity, disrupting ecosystem and affecting human health.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said, “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 ecosystem.”
The second coordinated call addresses the immediate need for sustainable energy solution through the development of West-to-Green hydrogen technologies.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said, “It is important for our energy transition goals to forward hydrogen technologies from West. This cooperation will speed up the development of sustainable hydrogen production methods.”
-IANS
SKT/KR