The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) reaffirmed a joint commitment to advancing clean technologies and achieving net-zero emissions. Key initiatives include collaboration on recycling electric vehicle batteries, addressing marine plastic litter, and improving waste-to-hydrogen technologies. Additional efforts will standardize EV charging infrastructure and enhance hydrogen safety. The partnership will also promote knowledge exchange and foster global collaborations in sustainability. Upcoming meetings will review progress and expand cooperation on environmental issues.
During the second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held on February 28, 2025, in New Delhi, both parties underscored their dedication to advancing clean technologies. Chaired by Indian and European representatives, discussions centered on achieving net-zero emissions, fostering sustainable innovations, and enhancing collaboration on environmental challenges.
India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, while the EU targets 2050. To realize these ambitious climate goals, significant investments in clean technologies, standardized practices, and research collaborations are essential. The TTC serves as a critical platform for promoting technological innovation and sharing best practices, facilitating the adoption of sustainable solutions.
India and the EU have committed to joint research and innovation (R&I) initiatives aimed at accelerating the market adoption of clean technologies. This collaboration is expected to generate opportunities for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and incubators in both regions, driving technological advancements towards commercial viability and green growth.
Key outcomes from the meeting included agreements on collaborative research projects to address pressing environmental challenges. Areas of focus for collaboration will include:
Recycling of Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries:* Development of circular battery economies focusing on easy-to-recycle battery technologies to support the EV market while reducing waste.
Marine Plastic Litter:* Partnerships to create advanced technologies for detecting and mitigating plastic waste in oceans, addressing its ecological impact.
Waste-to-Hydrogen Technologies:* Research aimed at enhancing hydrogen production efficiency from biogenic waste, aiding the green energy transition.
The collaborative budget for these projects is approximately EUR 60 million, funded by the Horizon Europe program and matching contributions from India.
Further, India and the EU agreed on harmonizing standards for EV charging infrastructure to facilitate clean technology adoption. This will include cooperative research to ensure efficient and interoperable charging networks, essential for expanding electric mobility. Additionally, partners will enhance hydrogen energy safety standards through scientific and regulatory frameworks, contributing to broad hydrogen adoption. Attention will also be devoted to sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.
The TTC meeting highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange. Indian experts participated in initiatives at the Joint Research Centre’s E-Mobility Lab in Italy, focusing on EV interoperability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). A hybrid workshop on EV charging technologies with industry and regulatory stakeholders was also conducted. Moreover, a Matchmaking Event was held to connect Indian and EU startups working on battery recycling technologies, aiming to support sustainability innovation and collaborative business opportunities.
In addition to bilateral efforts, India and the EU expressed their intent to promote green technologies on a global scale. As part of their extensive environmental strategy, both parties will work in multilateral forums to align international policies with sustainability objectives. An ‘Ideathon’ was announced to generate solutions for marine plastic pollution, involving various stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to address environmental degradation.
Established in April 2022, the India-EU TTC aims to tackle issues at the intersection of trade, technology, and security. The second meeting was co-chaired by key Indian ministers and European Commission officials. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts against climate change while stimulating sustainable economic growth. With ongoing commitments and projects, subsequent TTC meetings will review progress and explore additional cooperative avenues for clean energy, waste management, and climate-resilient technologies.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
