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

British-Dutch energy giant Shell has activated Europe’s largest polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) hydrogen electrolyzer at the firm’s energy and chemicals park in Rhineland. The initiative is part of the REFHYNE program and funded by the European Commission’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU). The plant is reportedly the first to use PEM technology at such a large scale in a refinery. The company is also mulling expanding the capacity of the electrolyzer from 10 MW to 100 MW. Through the initiative, Shell plans to reduce its production of traditional fuels by 55% by 2030 and achieve a net-zero-emissions by 2050.

Vijayawada railway station has commissioned innovative building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) solar cover. The information was shared by Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal through a tweet. With the latest 65 kW capacity addition, Vijayawada holds the highest capacity of 130 kW across the Indian Railway network. The BIPV facility is expected to save ₹810,000 (~$10,860) per annum and meet 18% of the electricity needs of the station. The BIPV roof has been set up at the cost of ₹6.2 million (~$83,130).

Thailand-based renewable energy firm BCPG Public Company Limited (BCPG) has invested $24 million in VRB Energy. This investment aims to fast-track the growth of VRB Energy’s global energy storage business. VRB Energy will collaborate with BPCG to optimize its system performance, increase revenues, and explore other business development opportunities. The financing is expected to support the rollout of VRB Energy’s Gen3 VRB-ESS^® product, expanded manufacturing capacity, and allow vertical integration to meet growing global demand.

Mytilineos S.A. has acquired 14 MW of solar projects from solar development platform Elgin Energy. The deal has been finalized through Mytilineos’ renewables and storage development business unit. The project is located in Ireland. Once rolled out, the initiative is expected to provide affordable renewable electricity to more than 4,000 homes and cut down 7,000 tons of carbon emissions in Ireland annually. This portfolio will benefit from long-term Contracts for Difference (CFDs) awarded under the 2020 RESS 1 auction (National Auction for RES in the republic of Ireland), and once energized, the projects will provide enough cost-competitive renewable electricity to power more than 4,000 homes and offset 7,000 tons of carbon emissions in the Republic of Ireland annually.