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

Union Minister for Power (MoP), R.K. Singh, and Minister of State for Power, Krishan Pal Gurjar, launched the Virtual Smart Grid Knowledge Center and Innovation Park (SGKC). Established by POWERGRID with support from the MoP and National Smart Grid Mission, SGKC will demonstrate and advance frontier smart grid technologies. SGKC aims to be one of the leading centers of excellence globally to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in smart grid technologies and create capacities in the power distribution sector. The SGKC virtual platform presently hosts over 50 solutions from over 30 technology partners across eight thematic areas spanning new and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, etc.

Ather Energy announced its partnership with Bharat FIH, a Foxconn Technology Group company, to develop and manufacture key components for Ather scooters. The partnership aims to enhance the manufacturing ecosystem to meet the strong demand for their flagship products, the Ather 450X, and the 450 Plus. Bharat FIH will manufacture battery management systems, dashboard, the peripheral controlling unit, and drive controller for Ather Energy. These products will be manufactured on a ‘Turn-Key” model, including managing the supply chain logistics and raw material procurement for Ather Energy.

MunmuBaram, a wind developer formed as a joint venture between Shell and CoensHexicon, secured two additional Electricity Business Licenses for 1.3GW Floating Offshore Wind project in South Korea. The licenses were issued by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to progress MunmuBaram’s floating offshore wind project off the coast of Ulsan city, South Korea. Subject to future investment decisions, the MunmuBaram project will be developed in phase(s). Once constructed, it is expected to generate up to 4.2 TWh of clean electricity every year.

Jinko Power Technology, as a part of a consortium, was awarded the Saad 300MW Solar PV Project in the recent public auction for Round Three Category B solar PV projects by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy. The consortium was led by Jinko Power (HK) Company Limited as a Managing and Technical member, Jinko Power Middle East Holding Co. Ltd, and Jinko Power Dhafra Holding Co. Ltd as members. The project is valued at around SAR 800 million (~$213.22 million) and is located in Saad within the Riyadh region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Electricity generated from the project will be acquired by Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) through a 25-year PPA. Construction is scheduled from 2022 to 2023.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) announced that it would act as Project Management Consultant (PMC) for nine countries that are part of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to help them with the implementation of solar power parks and other projects that will make a combined capacity 3.8 GW. The solar power projects would generate about 9,228 million units of power every year. When combined, the projects would attract an investment of $3-4 billion and save 1,265 million liters of diesel per annum and avoidance of 3.42 million tons per annum of CO2 emission.