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

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) recently approved part commissioning of inter-state transmission (ISTS) connected solar projects in lots of 10 MW or more. The decision was taken to help expedite the commissioning of solar power projects and in line with similar facilitation already provided to wind power projects. The special dispensation will be applicable until March 31, 2023.

KPI Green Energy signed new long-term power purchase agreements to sell 15.88 MW of wind and solar hybrid power projects under the company’s independent power producer business segment. The PPAs were signed with six clients – J. Korin Spinning (1.80 MW), J S Ecotex (2.70 MW), Oriilon India (2.25 MW), Jay Bharat Metcast (5 MW), Kiri Industries (2.93 MW) and Cheminova India (1.20 MW). The clients will be supplied power from KPI Green Energy’s upcoming wind-solar hybrid power project of 16.10 MW (comprising 16.10 MW wind and 10 MWdc solar capacity) in Bhavnagar District, Gujarat.

National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), an umbrella organization for solar industry stakeholders, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, agreed to work closely on strategic energy transition technology areas, including solar manufacturing and green hydrogen. The cooperation between NSEFI and the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE), IIT Bombay, is expected to foster industry-academia collaboration in areas including energy innovation, new applications of renewable energy technologies, advanced research in solar photovoltaic material, applications of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning in renewable energy and green hydrogen sector. This cooperation would also aim to develop new India-specific standards in the renewable energy sector while also focusing on specialized training of industry professionals in emerging areas in solar energy.

JSW Steel signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany-based engineering and technology company SMS group to explore multiple cutting-edge solutions and R&D projects to reduce carbon emissions in its iron and steelmaking operations in India. The collaboration is expected to enable the companies to explore opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and produce green steel in one of the hard-to-abate sectors. To achieve the task of decarbonization at various JSW Steel plants, the SMS group would use its expertise and experience in metallurgy, industrial processes, and digitalization. It would provide its technology experts with design, engineering consultancy, and commissioning for executing various projects. JSW Steel will make available to SMS group raw materials, consumables, and workforce to explore solutions for the implementation of general decarbonization projects.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management announced $4.7 million in funding for six projects to advance the development of ceramic-based materials to improve the efficiency of hydrogen-fuelled turbines that may one day be used in clean power plants. Projects selected under this funding opportunity announcement will focus on the research and development of ceramic matrix composite components, which allow hydrogen turbines to operate at higher working temperatures, ultimately improving cycle efficiency.

EDF Renewables North America announced a 15-year virtual power purchase agreement with McDonald’s Corporation. The 255 MWac/332 MWdc Apollo Solar project will help McDonald’s to meet its sustainability goals and advance its commitment to climate action. Apollo Solar, located in Texas, is expected to begin delivery of low-carbon electricity in June 2024.  It would create approximately 300 jobs during the 2023-2024 construction phase, with more than $30 million generated in new tax revenue over the operating life for taxing entities.  Apollo Solar will produce clean energy while minimizing impacts to wildlife, habitat, and other environmental resources.