India and the European Union (EU) have launched two major research and innovation initiatives aimed at tackling marine plastic litter and developing waste-to-hydrogen technologies. These initiatives were introduced with a joint investment of 391 crore rupees. Despite global efforts, marine pollution continues to threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and impact human health.

In response, India and the EU have initiated a collaborative programme to combat marine pollution, with a particular focus on the pervasive issue of marine plastic litter. A second coordinated initiative addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions through the development of technologies that convert waste into green hydrogen. With the global push towards clean energy, converting biogenic waste into hydrogen presents a promising avenue for achieving sustainability goals.

Lauding the collaboration, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government Professor Ajay Kumar Sood emphasised that collaborative research is the cornerstone of innovation. He said, These initiatives will harness the strengths of both Indian and European researchers to develop solutions that address our shared environmental challenges.