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

NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government to develop a 10 GW Ultra Mega renewable energy power park. The MOU signing marks another step toward achieving renewable capacity addition targets of NTPC. So far, NTPC REL has won 4 GW renewable energy capacity by bidding on tenders that are being implemented. NTPC REL is also developing one UMREPP (Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Park) of 4.75 GW capacity in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It has also entered into a joint venture agreement with Damodar Valley Corporation to develop renewable energy parks and projects.

Tata Power signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to invest about ₹30 billion (~$380.12 million) to set up a greenfield 4 GW solar cell and 4 GW solar module manufacturing plant in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu. The investment will be made over 16 months and will directly or indirectly create over 2,000 employment opportunities, with the majority being women employees. The plant will integrate Mono-PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) Bifacial Technology with future n-Type technology of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contacts (TOPCON) and will produce high wattage modules with industry-leading efficiencies. For the smooth navigation of equipment, the facility will implement Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), which use lasers and cameras to transport parts. The plant will also implement Industry 4.0 standards – a fully interconnected factory comprising smart manufacturing tools and technologies.

Hero Electric announced that it has rolled out its first batch of e-scooters from Mahindra Group’s Pithampur manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh. The company had signed a five-year partnership with Mahindra as part of its expansion plans to cater to the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in the country. As part of the strategic alliance, Hero Electric will manufacture two of its e-bikes — Optima and NYX — at Mahindra’s Pithampur plant. The partnership will help the two companies share the supply chain for all new electric offerings and R&D expertise.

Greenko signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, to launch India’s first dedicated school for sustainable science and technology. The Greenko School of Sustainable Science and Technology (GSSST) will open towards the end of this year and aims to plug the rising research, education, and skills gaps caused by the imperatives of sustainable development. The school will be advancing knowledge in various areas like Climate Change Mitigation, AI & Space-Tech, Energy Transition, and Industrial Ecology. GSSST will work in consultation with the Ministry of Education, AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training), and NCVET (National Council of Vocational Education and Training) to advance academic research and learning in sustainable science and technology.

wpd offshore Australia Holding GmbH, part of wpd group, and Australis Energy entered a 50:50 joint venture for three offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Australia. The development of the three projects, located in the coastal waters of the states of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, with a total installed capacity of 1.4 GW, has been driven by Australis in recent years. With the joint venture now completed, the projects can be successfully taken through the subsequent phases of project planning. Phases 1 and 2 of the three projects have already been completed. With the entry into the joint venture, wpd will now assist with Phase 3, the completion of environmental studies and environmental impact assessments (ESIA), further data collection, landowner agreements, grid access agreements, and planning, permitting and licensing for the projects.