Words by Tess Becker
To successfully tackle the climate crisis, people and especially countries and large corporations are going to have to work together across borders. A new US-India joint venture is doing just that.
The venture, VSK Energy, has announced it will invest up to $1.5 billion to develop a vertically integrated solar manufacturing operation in the US, starting in Colorado.
VSK Energy comprises India-headquartered global solar module maker Vikram Solar and New York-based investors Phalanx Impact Partners and Das & Co.
The first project, planned for Brighton, Colorado is a $250 million PV module factory that should create over 900 direct jobs and over 200 construction jobs. That plant should come online sometime in 2024.
A second planned project will take place in an undisclosed Southern state.
Sriram Das, co-chairman of VSK Energy owes the opportunity to the Inflation Reduction Act that passed late last year.
“The Biden administration and Congress have called for immediate action and, through our partnership in VSK, we are taking a decisive step toward achieving solar technology self-sufficiency, fortifying America’s energy security, and propelling large-scale solar deployment,” he said in a statement.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Solar United Neighbors. They work to expand Solar Power around the US in an affordable way primarily for nonprofits. Find out more and support them here.
Cultural Survival. They are an indigenous-led nonprofit focused on empowering indigenous Americans and helping the planet. Find out more.
Step Up for Students. They help provide funding to students in Florida trying to attend secondary education. Check them out.
