Here are some noteworthy cleantech announcements of the day from around the world:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has amended the guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding to procure power from grid-connected wind-solar hybrid projects. According to the amendments, if there is a delay in the grant or operationalization of long-term access by the central or state transmission utilities and there is a delay in the readiness of the intra-state or interstate transmission system connected substation at the delivery point, the projects will be eligible for a time extension. However, the generator must have complied with the complete application formalities as per the connectivity procedure, and the delay should be solely attributable to the transmission licensee.

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has issued a tender for technical consultancy services to develop the 500 MW Ibri III solar power project. The last date to submit the bids is December 7, 2022. The project is scheduled to reach commercial operation by the last quarter of 2026.

Hero Future Energies signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Karnataka to set up hybrid renewable energy projects and green hydrogen manufacturing facilities with an investment of ₹200 billion (~$2.44 billion).

Maersk and the Spanish Government inked a general protocol for collaboration to explore opportunities for large-scale green fuel production in Spain. If implemented in full, the partnership could deliver up to 2 million tons of green fuel annually. The project aims to explore the feasibility of covering the full value chain from renewable energy sources to the bunkering of vessels. The parties are reviewing production opportunities in the Andalusia and Galicia regions. The availability of green energy and fuels in sufficient quantities and at cost-competitive price levels remains the main challenge for the decarbonization of global shipping. Maersk alone needs approximately 6 million tons of green methanol per year to reach its 2030 milestone fleet emissions target and even larger amounts by 2040 for its fleet to reach net zero.

Chemicals company Evonik signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for wind energy with EnBW. The PPA provides Evonik with 100 MW from the new 900-MW He Dreiht wind farm in the German North Sea. This agreement alone will enable Evonik to cover around a quarter of its electricity needs in Europe with renewable energy from 2026. EnBW will supply green electricity over 15 years. Since chemical production requires a constant energy supply, Evonik will compensate for fluctuations in the wind energy feed-in through its balancing group management. The cooperation will reduce Evonik’s Scope 2 emissions by 100,000 tons of CO₂ annually. The He Dreiht is scheduled to start operating at the end of 2025.

Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation announced the addition of the Eastervale Project to the company’s growing portfolio. The project’s target capacity is 300 MW solar photovoltaic and 200 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage system with a two-hour battery duration. The Eastervale Project has secured site control through a long-term solar lease with private landowners. It is currently in Stage 2 of the Alberta Electric System Operator interconnection process, with environmental and wildlife field studies underway per Alberta Environment and Parks guidelines.

EE North America has partnered with Elio Energy to develop a pipeline of 2 GW of solar power generation and energy storage in Arizona and surrounding states. The projects are expected to start construction gradually between 2023-2025. Earlier this year, EE North America announced its entrance into the U.S. market, leveraging its renewable energy project development expertise and partnerships with other industry-leading firms. EE North America aims to develop 10 GW of renewable energy in the United States by 2026, helping state and local governments across the U.S. achieve net-zero goals.