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

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has notified that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Program for the automobile and auto component industry has attracted a proposed investment of ₹748.5 billion (~$9.82 billion). Over five years, the target investment estimate was ₹425 billion (~$5.57 billion). The proposed investment of ₹450.16 billion (~$5.90 billion) is from approved applicants under the Champion OEM Incentive program and ₹298.34 billion (~$3.91 billion) from approved applicants under the Component Champion Incentive program. This PLI program for the automotive sector, the already launched PLI program for advanced chemistry cell, and Faster Adaption of Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) are together expected to enable India to leapfrog from traditional fossil fuel-based automobile transportation system to environmentally cleaner, sustainable, advanced and more efficient electric vehicles (EV) based system. The PLI program for the automobile and auto component industry has drawn interest from Indian business groups and groups from countries including Japan, Germany, USA, UK, Republic of Korea, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Italy.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (Tata Power DDL) has partnered with Battery Smart to set up battery swapping stations for electric two and three-wheeler vehicles at various locations across North Delhi. Battery Smart is a provider of battery-as-a-service through its network of battery swapping stations. The partnership aims to leverage Tata Power DDL’s large power capacity and extensive infrastructure to establish more high-capacity swap stations at key locations to cater to the growing electric two and three-wheeler vehicle market. The first battery-swapping station is live and operational at Azadpur. Tata Power DDL and Battery Smart hope to support the  ‘Switch Delhi’ campaign via affordable battery swapping infrastructure.

Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar announced the formal start to the construction of its 230 MW Garadagh solar project in Azerbaijan. The project is expected to start commercial operation in 2023. The project will help generate half a billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet the needs of more than 110,000 houses and reduce emissions by more than 200,000 tons a year. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is a key finance partner for the project. Masdar also signed agreements related to developing additional clean-energy projects across the country. Azerbaijan is targeting increasing the proportion of its installed power capacity coming from renewable sources to 30% by 2030.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been selected as a strategic partner by Western Power to assist in digitally transforming its software systems as part of the business’s drive to deliver a cleaner and more resilient energy supply to West Australians. Western Power is a state government-owned energy company. The partnership will support Western Power’s corporate strategy towards a modular grid that is innovative and flexible through new tech plugs in and out of the grid. TCS will also work with Western Power on a two-year pilot to aggregate a network of solar-powered homes that collectively generate and store energy, smoothing out the supply and demand for electricity.

Jaguar Land Rover will partner with Pramac to develop a portable zero-emission energy storage unit powered by second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries. The Off-Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac’s technology – features lithium-ion cells from Jaguar I-PACE batteries taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles and supplies zero-emission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable. According to the automaker, the flagship system claims to have a capacity of up to 125 kWh, which is more than enough to fully charge Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE performance SUV or power a regular family home for a week. The partnership is the first in Jaguar Land Rover’s plans to create new circular economy business models for its vehicle batteries. As part of its commitment to net-zero status by 2039.

Pilanesberg Platinum Mines, a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum, has appointed EPC contractor juwi and  Sturdee Energy consortium as preferred bidders to supply renewable energy to the mining operation in South Africa. The renewable energy program will take the form of two projects, the first being a power purchase agreement for a combination of solar and wind systems to power the 40 MW mine load via a wheeling arrangement from two separate sites. This project will supply 55-60% of the mine’s energy needs and begin operation in 2024. The second project is the development and construction of a 35 MW solar project at or adjacent to the mine for the direct provision of power to meet the mine’s growing energy needs and is planned to commence operation in 2026.

Plug and play solar systems manufacturer Bboxx launched two new clean energy products to add to their existing roster. Flexx10 is an affordable ‘plug and play’ portable solar lantern designed for rural customers and those on the move. The product is also capable of charging mobile phones. Flexx10 is an upfront cash sales product. Flexx40 is a pay-as-you-go token-based multi-light solar system designed for rural customers at the bottom of the energy pyramid, with a demand for lighting applications and mobile phone charging. The system comes with dimmable LED light bulbs, allowing customers to control their energy usage. The products will be launched in Rwanda and Kenya before expanding to other markets in subsequent months, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.