India and EU Jointly Launch ₹391 Crore Research Initiatives on MPL and W2GH.

International

On May 15, 2025, India and the European Union (EU) jointly launched two significant research initiatives under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, and sustainability.


      - With a combined investment of ₹391 crores (41 million euros), the initiatives focus on combating Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and promoting advancements in Waste-to-Green Hydrogen (W2GH) technologies.

      - These initiatives will be co-funded by Horizon Europe, the EU’s premier research and innovation programme, and the Government of India (GoI).

     

Main Point :-   (i) The Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) initiative, launched on 6th May 2025, aims to monitor and reduce marine pollutants like microplastics and organic waste. It is supported by the EU’s Horizon Europe with €12 million (₹115 crore) and India’s MoES with ₹90 crore (approx. €9.3 million). It aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, EU’s Zero Pollution Plan, and India’s Marine Litter Policy.

      (ii) The Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH) initiative, launched on 15th May 2025, focuses on converting biogenic waste into green hydrogen using cost-effective methods. The EU contributes €10 million (₹96 crore), and India’s MNRE adds ₹90 crore (approx. €9.3 million). It supports the EU Hydrogen Strategy and India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

(iii) Both initiatives showcase India-EU collaboration on environmental innovation, supporting marine conservation and clean energy goals through joint funding and aligned policies.

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