The United States government will partner with IIT Madras Research Park to advance green technologies. The focus will be on solar, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, batteries, and buildings. This initiative brings together researchers, academia, and industry experts from both countries.
New working groups to be formed
The partnership is set to launch formally within a month. To ensure a collaborative approach, specific working groups will be created for each focus area. These groups will include members from the US government and IIT Madras Research Park.
US companies play key roles
Chris Hodges, the US Consul General in Chennai, mentioned that US solar module manufacturer First Solar, which recently opened a plant in Chennai, will be a key player. He also noted that American electrolyzer manufacturer Ohmium is planning a significant investment of Rs 400 crore in Tamil Nadu. These companies are expected to act as ambassadors in their respective fields.
Importance of Tamil Nadu
Hodges pointed out that Tamil Nadu contributes 9% of India’s carbon dioxide emissions but also accounts for 25% of the country’s carbon offsets. The state’s 41% women workforce is another attractive factor for US companies.
US government’s role
The US government’s role in this partnership is to effectively connect the correct elements across these technological fields. Hodges acknowledged that while numerous initiatives are underway, the challenge lies in creating a coherent and meaningful connection among them.
Support for cleaning the Cooum River
In addition to green technology, the US government is committed to helping Chennai clean the Cooum River. Jennifer Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, recently visited Chennai to discuss this. Expertise from San Antonio, a sister city to Chennai, will be utilized to address the river’s pollution issues. The Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to solving this environmental problem was emphasized.
