PRESS NOTE: India Energy Week, Bengaluru, February 6th & 7th 2023

PRESS NOTE

EU-India come together to explore collaboration in the Advanced Biofuel Sector at G20 - India Energy Week, Bengaluru, February 6th & 7th 2023

Bengaluru, India – Bengaluru, India – The European Union (EU), Government of India and Government of Karnataka are organising two events focusing on EU-India Innovation Cooperation in the Advanced Biofuels Sector on February 6 and 7 in Bengaluru, during the G20 India Energy Week. The events are organised in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Karnataka State Energy Department, and the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL).

The discussions under the events will explore research and innovation cooperation in the biofuels sector, focusing on aviation, maritime transport and biomass. The sessions will connect European and Indian advanced biofuels ecosystem and provide a platform to explore opportunities in technology, market, innovation and funding, including funding under Horizon Europe.

The EU has been a pioneer in advanced biofuels technologies that are based on non-recyclable waste and residues, serving as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Both the EU and India have legislation in place to ensure that the biofuels sector contributes to clean and sustainable growth. To explore innovative technologies and best practices and to raise awareness, the meetings are being organised on February 6 and 7 respectively, leveraging the fact that key international experts are visiting the India Energy Week. The meetings will help to identify high-potential candidates for EU-India technology-based cooperation. A roundtable discussion on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will also be organised. Both the EU and India will present their approach towards advanced biofuels, their policy and regulatory frameworks, best practices and possible risks and opportunities.

The objective is to bring together the latest technical know-how and expertise of the EU and Indian institutions and companies from across the value chain to address issues such as best practices to develop a sustainable advanced biofuels supply chain and infrastructure, attracting EU companies' investments into India and readiness of the Indian market. The events will also explore available technologies, business models and financing options to scale up advanced biofuels uptake in India.

The EU and India share a common goal of combating climate change, and this initiative is a step towards a more sustainable and green future for both regions. The Indian government has set a target of reducing the country's carbon footprint by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels.

About the European Union (EU):

The EU, which consists of 27 countries, has the world's largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India. Though richly diverse, the countries that make up the EU (its 'Member States') are all committed to the same basic values: peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at the European level. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment. It is also at the forefront of policies on sustainability. EU-India relations: It’s been 60 years that EU and India have worked together to reduce poverty, prevent disasters, expand trade, and promote joint research in energy, health, agriculture and many other fields of mutual interest. More information at: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/india

Contact: Research & Innovation, EU Delegation to India - [email protected] and Ms. Leena Pishe Thomas- EU Expert - [email protected]