EU-India comes together to explore collaboration in the Advanced Biofuel for Maritime

PRESS NOTE

EU-India comes together to explore collaboration in the Advanced Biofuel for Maritime 2023

Gandhinagar; 14th February 2023: The Delegation of European Union to India, and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in association with the Gujarat Maritime University are organizing an event on 13th February focusing on EU-India Innovation Cooperation in the Advanced Biofuels Sector for Maritime application. The event is being held at PDEU at Gandhinagar, Gujarat and will include Business to Government, Government-to-Government and Business-to-Business meetings.

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,andfinancingoptionstoscaleupadvancedbiofueluptakeinIndia.Mr.S. J. Haider, IAS, Principal Secretary-Climate Change Department, Government of Gujarat will give the keynote address in the presence of Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan, Director General at PDEU, Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, Director at Gujarat Maritime University and Mr. Pierrick Fillon –Ashida, Head of Research and Innovation, Delegation of the EU to India.

The European Union (EU) has been a pioneer in advanced biofuel 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 organized on February 13. The meetings will be organized to identify high-potential candidates for EU-India technology-based cooperation. 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 Gujarat state government has been steadily moving towards green energy solutions for a sustainable future. In its endeavour to promote green transition, it has rolled out several promotional initiatives including incentives and grants for the biofuel ecosystem. These will benefit a range of stakeholders including industries, start-ups, entrepreneurs, and farmers. Meanwhile, Europe has strengthened its research in this area by broadening feedstock option while improving process technology through flexibility in processing multi-feedstocks at high yields and developing sophisticated standards for assuring fuel quality. Few European companies have also started biofuel production in Europe as well as outside of Europe including 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.

Event

The B2G and G2G meeting will be curated by the EU Experts, Ms. Leena Pishe Thomas, and Mr. Patrick Crehan with eminent speakers from Research and industry background in Biofuel sector which include Dr. Piyali Das, Senior Fellow & Area Convener, Advanced Biofuels Division The Energy and Resources Institute -TERI ; Mr. Madhvendra Singh, CEO at Gujarat Maritime Cluster; Mr. Kees Kwant, Senior Expert Bioenergy liaison Biobased Economy and Mission Director at Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs; Mr. Walter Sattlberger, Public Relations Manager at Münzer Bioindustries GmbH; Mr. Siva Chandrasekaran, Technical University of Delft; Mr. Syed Shams Yazdani, Group Leader at International Centre For Genetic Engineering And Biotechnology (ICGEB)

This hybrid event will have participants from India and Europe.

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

For any additional information about the event can be share upon request to Research & Innovation, EU Delegation to India - [email protected] and Ms. Leena Pishe Thomas- EU Expert - [email protected]