Page 13 - AfrElec Week 19 2021

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and the Middle East. However, across the
region, many of the company’s sites are not
connected to the electricity grid and when
they are, the quality of the grid often requires
alternative backup solutions.
To avoid using generators that run on fuel,
Orange is putting in place several initiatives
such as solar panels.
In several of its subsidiaries, Orange
is deploying innovative solar solutions
and the latest generation batteries with
partners specialising in energy. To reduce
its environmental footprint, the Group is
positioning itself in these countries as the
biggest deployer of solar panels, with a
between $200mn to $300mn, Lisa Pinsley, Lusemfwa Hydro (Zambia) and Hydro renewable energy use rate already at over
head of Africa energy infrastructure at Actis, Cabora Bassa (Mozambique). 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange
told Bloomberg. “The applications are at different stages, Madagascar and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone.
The firm is planning to double investments so some by third quarter of this year. They These solar panel solutions have also been
to $2bn in countries including Nigeria, South will increase energy available on the SAPP or will soon be deployed in other African and
Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Ghana, market by 700 MW,” he said, adding that the Middle Eastern countries where Orange is
with a focus on wind, solar and gas energy power pool would develop new transmission present, like Liberia, where 75% of Orange’s
resources, she said. infrastructure to copy with increased power telecom sites are equipped with solar panels.
The private equity firm, which was spun on the grid. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at
out of CDC Group, the U.K. government’s According to statistics from SAPP, total 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar,
development-finance institution, manages traded volumes increased by 30% to 111.30 others hybrid) saving 55mn litres of fuel each
about $10bn globally. GWh in March 2021, from the February 2021 year.
Actis has holdings in about 25 power volume of 85.54 GWh. Furthermore, in Jordan, Orange has
projects in countries across the continent. There were 15 active portfolios from 10 launched three solar farms to switch to clean
Earlier this month, one of the companies it members on the market in March, with a and renewable energy helping to reduce its
has invested in, BioTherm Energy Pty Ltd., marginal increase in participation when carbon footprint. In 2020, these solar farm
announced the completion of four renewable compared to February 2021 which had 14 projects covered over 65% of Orange Jordan’s
power projects in South Africa, which is active portfolios from nine members. energy needs. Since 2018, the company has
expected to add 284 megawatts of electricity Power demand is expected to surge as successfully reduced its CO2 emissions by 45
to the country’s grid. winter approaches in the region. kilotons thanks to this solar infrastructure.
SAPP was created in August 1995 when Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle
SADC Heads of State and Government East and Africa says: “We are proud to be the
(excluding Mauritius) signed an inter- first company by number of solar panels in 5
TRADING governmental MoU for formation of an countries in Africa and the Middle East. As a
electricity power pool that would boost co- stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange
SAPP to add 700 MW to operation in energy and related infrastructure, has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan
the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s
among other considerations.
regional grid in 2021 electricity needs from renewable sources by
2025. We are aiming for net zero carbon by
The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) says 2040.”
it will add 700 MW to the regional grid before SOL AR
the end of 2021.
SAPP Co-ordination Centre Executive Orange deploying solar
Director Engineer Stephen Dihwa this week ESG
told The Southern Times Business that more solutions across Africa and
participants were expected to join the regional Invest Africa, DLA Piper to
pool. Middle East
“Currently we are processing applications support ESG practices in
from six independent power producers (IPPs), Innovative solar solutions are at the forefront
one from Eswatini, one from South Africa, of Orange’s initiative to avoid using generators Africa
two from Zambia and two from Zimbabwe. that run on fossil fuels that emit CO2.
We have also received enquiries from IPPs in This is in-line with their goal to reduce the Global law firm DLA Piper has partnered
Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa organisation’s carbon footprint to zero by with African trade and investment platform
who intent to apply for SAPP membership,” 2040. Invest Africa to support the development of
he said. Orange, a multi-service telecoms Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Eng Dihwa said there were already IPPs on operator, provides its expertise to support the best practices in African renewable energy
SAPP grid namely Ndola Energy (Zambia), development of new digital services in Africa projects.

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