The India-EU Trade and Technology Council’s second meeting reaffirmed the commitment to clean technologies, aiming for net-zero emissions by India (2070) and the EU (2050). They agreed on joint research in areas like battery recycling, marine plastic litter, and waste-to-hydrogen technologies, backed by €60 million funding. Discussions on standardizing EV infrastructure and enhancing hydrogen safety were also accomplished, alongside knowledge-sharing initiatives between stakeholders.
The second meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) on February 28, 2025, highlighted the commitment of India and the European Union to enhance clean and green technologies. The discussions centered on achieving net-zero emissions, promoting sustainable innovations, and fostering cross-border cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, reaffirming both parties’ dedication to their climate goals.
India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070, while the EU targets 2050. Realizing these goals necessitates substantial investments in clean technologies and collaborative research. The TTC serves as a crucial platform to facilitate technological innovation and share best practices, enabling a wider adoption of sustainable solutions across both regions.
To bolster the market integration of clean technologies, India and the EU plan to embark on joint research and innovation (R&I) initiatives. This partnership aims to support startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring that new technologies achieve commercial viability and contribute to green growth in both economies.
Key outcomes from the meeting include agreements for joint research projects on significant environmental issues. These include:
– Recycling of Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries: This involves developing flexible and easy-to-recycle battery technologies to support the electric vehicle market while minimizing waste.
– Marine Plastic Litter: Collaborative efforts will focus on creating advanced technology for detecting and addressing ocean plastic waste, reducing its ecological impact.
– Waste-to-Hydrogen Technologies: Research efforts will aim to enhance hydrogen production efficiency from biogenic waste, crucial for the green energy transition.
The total funding for these initiatives is expected to reach around EUR 60 million, supplemented by contributions from both parties.
Standardization is essential for clean technology adoption. India and the EU have agreed to work on harmonizing EV charging infrastructure standards and enhancing hydrogen safety measures. This collaboration aims to develop frameworks that facilitate hydrogen’s widespread use and improve wastewater treatment technologies through joint research initiatives.
Knowledge-sharing was a focal point of the TTC meeting, with Indian experts participating in training at the Joint Research Centre’s E-Mobility Lab in Italy. A hybrid workshop on EV charging technologies was conducted in partnership with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), fostering deeper industry engagement. The meeting concluded with a Matchmaking Event aimed at connecting Indian and EU startups involved in battery recycling.
India and the EU also expressed a commitment to global clean technology promotion. They plan to collaborate in multilateral forums to align international policies with sustainability objectives. A noteworthy initiative called ‘Ideathon’ was announced to develop solutions for marine plastic pollution, gathering input from government, academic, and industry stakeholders.
The India-EU TTC, established in April 2022, aims to address trade, technology, and security challenges. Co-chaired by Indian ministers and European officials, the latest meeting emphasized the importance of joint action in combating climate change and enhancing sustainable economic growth. By investing in collaborative initiatives, both India and the EU are solidifying their status as global leaders in clean technology development, with further TTC meetings planned to assess progress and collaboration on clean energy and waste management.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
