Energy

Aed Energy pilots on-site power clean energy solution at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos

Aerial view of Pan-Atlantic University’s main campus in Lagos. (Image source: Aed Energy)

Aed Energy has announced a new thermal battery pilot project at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos, which it hopes will open up new clean energy on-site power options in Nigeria and other territories

The UK-based company is a developer of next-generation thermal energy storage, with solutions to displace fossil fuel generators and accelerate clean energy access in weak-grid regions.

The pilot project tackles one of Nigeria’s critical challenges — the widespread use of fossil fuel generators across education, healthcare, manufacturing and remote infrastructure in energy-constrained markets.

Developed with PAU and a local clean energy integrator, FaithLink Ltd, the project combines rooftop solar with Aed Energy’s proprietary modular thermal battery.

The system stores renewable electricity as high-temperature heat in energy-dense composite bricks and delivers dispatchable power or industrial-grade heat for up to 24 hours, without lithium, combustion, or fragile supply chains.

PAU’s main campus consumes approximately 6,570 MWh of electricity annually, much of it currently supplied by fossil fuel generators, or gensets.

When run on diesel, this equates to over 1.8 million litres per year, the equivalent of filling nearly three-quarters of an Olympic swimming pool full of diesel, for one site alone.

“It moves our technology out of the lab and into the field, showing what’s possible when innovation is paired with local partnerships and real-world demand,” said Aed Energy’s CEO, Rayan Kassis.

“This deployment lays the foundation for clean energy systems that serve critical institutions, power industrial growth and open up new export opportunities for UK innovation.”

The MWh-scale units are designed for rapid deployment across industrial sites, microgrids, and critical infrastructure where fossil fuel gensets, remain the default for primary energy supply.

“This project’s distinction lies in its silent operation, a significant shift from the noise of diesel and gas plants,” added Dr Peter Bamkole, PAU’s deputy vice-chancellor.

Aed Energy is in discussions with investors and energy users across Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East to develop commercial pilot deployments.

The pilot forms part of ZE-Gen’s international innovation programme, a collaborative initiative by the Carbon Trust and Innovate UK.

It forms one of six new ZE-Gen demonstrator projects funded through Innovate UK.

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GE Vernova, L&T to develop Kenya’s National System Control Centre

Consortium to build modern control centres enhancing Kenya’s electricity transmission infrastructure. (Image source: GE Vernova)

GE Vernova Inc. has announced that, in partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), it will develop a next-generation National System Control Centre (NSCC) for the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)

The consortium will deliver a comprehensive solution to enhance monitoring, control, and management of Kenya’s national electricity grid, with the order secured in the first quarter of 2025.

As part of the project, a Main Control Centre will be constructed in Embakasi and equipped with advanced grid software and automation systems. An Emergency Control Centre will also be built in Suswa, featuring the same systems, along with an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system to support grid operations. Together, these centres are expected to significantly improve the stability, reliability, and efficiency of Kenya’s electricity transmission network.

The initiative supports Kenya’s national energy goals of achieving universal electricity access by 2030 and transitioning to a more sustainable and efficient energy system. To realise this ambition, the country is investing in grid expansion, clean energy integration, and the adoption of smart technologies that enhance energy efficiency across the value chain.

GE Vernova, through its French entity Grid Solutions SAS, will lead the consortium and supply key grid technologies from its Electrification Software and Grid Automation portfolio. These include GridOS orchestration software — specifically Advanced Energy Management Systems (AEMS) and Wide Area Management Systems (WAMS)—as well as EAM systems, GridBeats Asset Performance Management, condition monitoring devices, substation automation systems, and telecommunication systems.

Larsen & Toubro will be responsible for civil works, including the construction of both greenfield control centres, installation of equipment, and support for system configuration, testing, and commissioning. The entire project is expected to be completed within three years.

The project is backed by financing from the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Treasury, with additional grant support from the European Union for capacity building. This financial partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening Kenya’s energy infrastructure and accelerating the energy transition.

Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s electrification systems businesses, commented, “GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to handle projects of this scale and complexity, requiring both advanced software solutions and grid automation equipment, as well as unique financing solutions. With our comprehensive capabilities in managing such projects end-to-end, we believe KETRACO will significantly benefit from GE Vernova’s expertise, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency from project inception to completion. By providing Kenya with an advanced electricity control center, we’re aiming to enhance the reliability and efficiency of its national grid. This is a pivotal step in paving the way for a more sustainable future that supports the country’s electrification and decarbonization goals.”

Once operational, the new system will enhance Kenya’s grid management capabilities, improve power quality, and support the integration of renewable energy sources—laying the foundation for a smarter, more resilient national grid.

EWIA to unlock on-site solar in Nigeria, Cameroon

On-site solar power growth in Africa

EWIA Green Investments, which operates in the commercial renewable energy space in West Africa, has launched a fund raising to accelerate its growth plans across the region

The company provides solar financing and operation for commercial and industrial users in Ghana, but is keen on expanding into the Nigeria and Cameroon markets.

“Power generation is too expensive and dirty in large parts of Africa, and blackouts are a daily occurrence,” said co-founder and managing director Ralph Schneider.

”EWIA is helping to meet Africa's growing energy needs with clean, affordable and reliable solar power.”

In 2020, EWIA launched in Ghana as a dedicated solar financier, helping medium-sized businesses transition from diesel generators to clean, cost-effective solar energy.

By analysing electricity demand and refinancing potential across various industries, it designs tailored solar solutions that meet the specific needs of each client.

Today, EWIA also installs PV systems in-house, acting as an EPC project developer responsible for engineering, procurement and construction.

A subsidiary division also builds solar-powered telecom towers for mobile network operators.

The new financing round, released on the digital funding platform Conda, will raise additional equity for its growth ambitions.

It follows the acquisition of SunErgy GmbH in April this year, which gave EWIA entry into the Cameroon market.

SunErgy has been licensed by Cameroon to establish solar power supplies for 92 villages with approximately 600,000 people, as well as schools, health centres and private and public companies in the southwestern region of the country.

At the same time, EWIA is keen to expand into the Nigerian market.

Over the next five years, it aims to grow its project portfolio to over €63 million (US$72mn) and significantly increase its footprint in West Africa.

"By transferring capital and know-how to sub-Saharan Africa, we help local businesses operate more successfully, become more competitive and create jobs — all crucial factors for both the economic and social development of a continent with the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world," said co-founder and managing director Timo Schäfer.

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SANY powers Zimbabwe with reliable diesel generators

SANY expands genset support for Africa’s industrial power resilience. (Image source: SANY)

SANY Heavy Industry Zimbabwe Company is driving innovation in Africa’s power sector with its advanced diesel generator technology

Designed to tackle Zimbabwe’s energy challenges, these generators offer reliable, high-performance solutions that support industries like mining, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing.

Expanding its footprint in Africa’s infrastructure sector, SANY Genset, the division specialising in industrial and commercial diesel generators, is now delivering globally trusted solutions locally. The Zimbabwe office, already established as a hub for construction and heavy equipment operations, now provides comprehensive sales, support, and servicing for the full genset range, offering power capacities tailored for businesses of all sizes.

“This project represents more than a single sale. It is a signal to the market that SANY Heavy Industry Zimbabwe Company is here to stay, with full genset support, local parts, and responsive service,” said Thomas Jin, senior international sales & marketing manager.

Meeting client needs with reliable solutions

The first major deployment of SANY’s diesel generators in Zimbabwe has been successfully completed for Ming Chang Sino-Africa Mining Investment (MCSA). Operating in a sector that faces persistent grid power challenges, MCSA needed a dependable off-grid power solution to support uninterrupted mining activities.

Having previously invested in SANY’s excavators, pumps, and heavy machinery, MCSA trusted the brand’s reputation for quality and service. This confidence led to the selection of the SANY SYL1520 DC1 diesel generator, delivering 1,520 kW or 1,900 kVA of power. Three units were installed, equipped with advanced load management technology that dynamically adjusts power usage to optimise fuel efficiency without compromising performance.

Each unit operates as part of a modular system, composed of four 380 kW units running in parallel. This setup ensures seamless power switchover and continuous operation, even when one unit undergoes maintenance, enhancing reliability and minimising disruptions.

“We needed reliability, fast lead time, and solid local support. SANY delivered on all three,” said MCSA.

Following the successful deployment, MCSA has confirmed plans to acquire three additional SYL1520 DC1 generators, reinforcing its trust in SANY as a long-term power solutions partner.

Powering progress with local expertise

SANY Heavy Industry Zimbabwe Company is committed to more than just supplying equipment. It is fostering lasting partnerships by stocking critical spare parts, training local technical teams, and ensuring responsive service. The company provides reliable long-term support for every genset installed.

From mining to agriculture, logistics to manufacturing, SANY diesel generators are built for Africa’s toughest energy demands. Combining cutting-edge innovation with strong local backing, SANY ensures its solutions drive real progress.

Because in Africa, progress demands more than innovation. It demands presence.

Caterpillar introduces new Cat ECS 300 and ECS 400 for enhanced power control

Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar Inc. has announced the launch of two new additions to its Cat Energy Control System (ECS) portfolio, the Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

These advanced control systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with power generation assets including generator sets, battery energy storage, and renewable energy sources. Built to deliver reliable power and improved energy efficiency, they help customers optimise energy use and reduce costs.

Introducing Cat ECS 300 and Cat ECS 400

The Cat ECS 300 offers mains and utility paralleling, allowing users to monitor and control up to four power generation assets at the same time, with or without utility involvement. This gives customers greater flexibility in how they use on-site energy, particularly during periods of high demand. It also provides reliable backup options through closed transition with soft load or unload and open transition with utility for standby use.

The Cat ECS 400 is developed for more complex microgrid environments. It can manage and control up to 32 power generation assets, making it ideal for expanding sites and those incorporating more renewable energy. By enabling greater use of sustainable power, it helps reduce fuel consumption and lower overall energy costs.

“As the energy landscape evolves and energy needs become more complex, customers are developing plans to secure power for both the near-term and the future,” said Melissa Busen, senior vice-president for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “Our Cat ECS portfolio helps customers scale and future-proof their sites, as our control systems can adapt and grow alongside their changing needs.”

A comprehensive customer offering

The expansion of the ECS range reflects Caterpillar’s ongoing commitment to providing integrated, customer-focused energy solutions. These include power generation systems, remote monitoring, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), switchgear, controls, and expert local support. This full-package approach helps customers achieve affordable and dependable energy supply.

Expanding the Cat ECS portfolio

The ECS 300 and ECS 400 join the existing Cat ECS 100 and ECS 200, which are already in the market. The ECS 100 is designed to offer reliable control for new standby, fast-response, and prime power generator sets.

Available now

All ECS controllers are now available through Caterpillar dealers worldwide. Retrofit kits for the ECS 100 and ECS 200 are also offered. Caterpillar provides full control system customisation services, including site-specific design and hardware and software configuration.