Cambridge Cleantech Engages with India and Sri Lanka for Cleantech Collaboration
A carbon neutral delegation, led by Mr. Erik Solheim, the 6th Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme and Former Norwegian Minister, recently visited India and Sri Lanka with the aim of engaging with the leadership of both regions for cleantech collaboration.
The delegation was co-supported by the Global Renewables Alliance, formed at COP 27, with active participation from organizations such as the International Hydropower Association, Green Hydrogen Organization, International Solar Alliance, and the Global Wind Energy Council.
The day-long meetings in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka included discussions with ministers and ministries to explore synergies and potential opportunities for organizations within the cleantech space.
Cambridge Cleantech's CEO Martin Garratt and its project coordinator Satyajit Mohanan were present, along with representatives from leading European and Indian cleantech companies including Thyssen Krupp, Yokogawa, Siemens Gamesa, and Xynteo.
In Chennai, the delegation met with senior leaders the Tamil Nadu state government and the private sector to explore synergies and innovation transfer within the climate space. In Sri Lanka, they met with the Ministries of Environment and Power, as well as the country’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to discuss opportunities for cleantech collaboration.
During the visit, Cambridge Cleantech also signed a Letter of Intent with Crescent Innovation and Incubation Council to establish a Green India-UK Accelerator Programme by December 2023. The LOI was signed in the presence of the British Deputy High-Commissioner and the programme aims to collaborate in developing and sustaining a robust cleantech startup ecosystem within Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, the trip served as a relationship-building exercise with Cambridge Cleantech's first Indian Associate Founder Member, ProClime, an environmental services organisation specialising in carbon auditing, trading, and finance, with plans to work closely with them on future projects in India and Sri Lanka.
Tamil Nadu has recently announced its Climate Mission, which aims to have 25% of its US$1 trillion GDP coming from green, renewables, and low carbon economies. The state currently has one of the largest renewable installations in India and is looking to develop an investor-friendly framework to facilitate green investments, including repowering windmills, hydro power investments, increasing solar installations, green hydrogen, power storage solutions, and carbon markets.
With robust policies, skills, industrial development, and political leadership, Tamil Nadu has also announced a US$125 million seed fund to enable Climate Frameworks and realize its Climate Mission, making it a good example of India's net zero vision.
Similarly, the Sri Lankan Government has also announced its intent to mitigate the climate crisis and use its rich environmental resources as a means for economic recovery. The Sri Lankan President has set up an International Climate Advisory Panel and a Working Committee to develop an urgent Climate Policy.
“As a leading global cleantech innovation network, we are well-positioned to support India and Sri Lanka with their transition to net zero by accelerating innovation through high-impact collaborations, partnerships, and investments,” said Garratt.
“Cambridge Cleantech can help create a vibrant indigenous cleantech ecosystem within both countries through immersion and commercial pilot programmes, tech scouting services, and R&D partnerships, which enable knowledge and technology transfer.”