African Review - Energy

Energy

Orange Mali adopts Caterpillar hybrid microgrid solution

Hybrid microgrid powers Orange Mali’s remote telecom tower. (Image source: Orange)

Caterpillar Inc. has announced that Orange Mali, the largest telecommunications operator in West Africa, has successfully demonstrated a hybrid microgrid power system at a mobile tower site in Kéniéba, Mali

This innovative solution significantly lowers the total cost of ownership while cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.

Engineers from Neemba, the local Cat dealer, installed and commissioned the system designed by Caterpillar. It integrates a Cat C2.2 diesel generator set, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and lithium-ion energy storage to supply up to 6 kW of power. Previously, the site relied solely on a diesel generator.

The system’s modular design allows for future expansion, enabling additional components to be integrated as network demand grows.

“Orange is dedicated to building a more responsible digital world by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040,” said Mahamadou Keita, project manager for Orange Mali. “The hybrid microgrid system developed by Neemba and Caterpillar exemplifies our collaborations with innovative companies that share our drive for decarbonisation.”

Hybrid power solutions for remote telecom sites

Caterpillar’s hybrid power solution for telecom towers combines solar PV panels with a diesel generator to ensure reliable energy supply. During daylight hours, solar energy powers the site while charging the battery storage system. At night or in overcast conditions, the stored energy provides power, reducing diesel usage and emissions.

The system is managed automatically using an on-site control system, which also enables remote monitoring. This allows real-time access to performance data, facilitates early issue detection, and speeds up troubleshooting. By optimising available renewable resources and ensuring the generator operates at peak efficiency, the hybrid system helps lower operating costs and maximise reliability, making it ideal for off-grid locations.

Over the past decade, Neemba has supplied Orange Mali with more than a thousand Cat generator sets ranging in size from 15 kVA to 1 MVA. The company also maintains power solutions at hundreds of telecom towers through extended service contracts.

“Neemba has supported the transformation of enterprises in West Africa for nearly a century, and this hybrid microgrid demonstration for Orange Mali shows how we can leverage advanced Cat power solutions and our industry expertise to support our customers through the energy transition,” said Sanou Baba Nestor, energy sales manager for Neemba.

Caterpillar’s commitment to energy transition

Caterpillar continues to support customers’ climate-related goals by offering products, technologies, and services designed to enhance energy flexibility, improve efficiency, and lower emissions.

“The energy transition requires resilient solutions that maintain superior power availability and reliability while reducing associated costs for the customer,” said Neil Smith, growth strategy manager for Caterpillar Electric Power. “One size doesn’t fit all, and our collaboration with Neemba and Orange Mali proves how we can combine our deep portfolio with our knowledge of the telecommunications sector to help customers excel in every aspect of performance.”

Caterpillar remains committed to developing innovative power solutions that deliver long-term value, reliability, and sustainability. The company also offers global product support through the Cat dealer network, providing maintenance services and customer value agreements to help optimise the total cost of ownership for its equipment.

Also read: 12MW Eritrea mini-grid project gets funding

Zambia’s CEC scaling up on solar power

CEC is stepping up solar investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Zambia's Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) is to invest US$500mn over the next two years to upgrade its solar power capacity and to beef up transmission lines to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

CEC supplies power to most of Zambia’s major copper mines and also sells electricity to customers in neighbouring DRC via the sole power transmission line linking the Congo and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

In 2024, CEC’s operational renewables portfolio increased to 94 MW, after the commissioning of the 60 MW Itimpi-1 solar PV plant, joining an existing 34 MW plant in Riverside, Kitwe.

But, according to Mutale Mukuka, CEC’s chief financial officer, there is an appetite for more.

“We're looking to invest around US$500mn over the next two years and most of this financing will come from third-party financiers,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“We'll [also] invest quite heavily in transmission projects to make sure that power from [new projects] can reach consumers,” he added.

It follows a relaxation of financing constraints as Zambia emerges from a four-year sovereign debt default.

The country has also been tested by an El Niño-induced drought which wiped out a large chunk of homegrown power generation.

Earlier this month, CEC released its full-year 2024 results with managing director, Owen Silavwe, outlining plans to proceed with two additional medium-sized solar PV power plants on top of the flagship 136MW Itimpi II solar PV project, now under construction.

Once commissioned in early 2026, Itimpi II will increase total generation capacity under its subsidiary company, CEC Renewables, to 230MW.

At the end of last year, the group issued a US$97mn green bond to help fund the second phase of Itimpi, a reflection of the easing financial environment.

CEC’s two further solar projects include the 12.5MW Fitula solar PV project and the 20MW Garneton South solar PV project, both located in Kitwe.

The Garneton South solar project is being done under the GET FiT Solar programme while the Fitula solar PV project is a joint venture with one of CEC’s mining customers.

CEC is also keen to upgrade the transmission line to the DRC to 550 MW, from 250 MW currently.

In 2024, it enhanced the capacity on the interconnector through the installation of voltage support equipment.

In opening remarks to the 2024 annual report, Silavwe highlighted the resiliency of the energy system in the face of adversity during recent times.

“Through operational resilience and effective strategy execution, we sustained power supply to our customers, leveraging our own generation and third-party sources locally and regionally,” he noted.

CEC’s 2024 group revenues increased by 43% to US$547.7mn, driven mainly by higher regional and local power sales and wheeling services, though overall profits fell by 30% to US$97mn.

CEC Renewables also released its 2024 results a week later in March, with Hilton Fulele, assets manager, flagging the shift to solar power because of uncertainties facing hydro production.

“As climate-related challenges continue to impact hydroelectric power generation, solar projects will provide a sustainable complement, to support the drive for economic growth in the region,” Fulele noted.

Five solar mini grids powers sustainable access in Zambia

Powering up southern Africa

Trinasolar advances South Africa’s energy transition

Vincent Wu, global sales vice-president and MEA MU head at Trinasolar. (Image source: Trinasolar)

Trinasolar, a global leader in smart photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions, is set to participate in the Solar & Storage Live Africa exhibition, taking place at Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 25-27 March 2025

Amid South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis, Trinasolar is reinforcing its role as a key solution provider, delivering advanced technology to support the transition toward a decentralised and resilient energy system.

With the country recently experiencing Stage 3 load shedding, the demand for reliable and sustainable energy solutions has never been greater. Trinasolar’s portfolio of high-performance PV modules and energy storage systems is designed to address these challenges efficiently.

Vincent Wu, global sales vice-president and MEA MU head at Trinasolar, emphasised, “As the energy crisis continues to challenge South Africa and the broader African region, Trinasolar is committed to delivering solutions that address these challenges. Our advanced PV modules and energy storage systems are designed to enable the region’s shift to more resilient and decentralised energy infrastructure. At Solar & Storage Live Africa, we’re excited to showcase our leading-edge technology that not only meets the immediate energy needs but also positions South Africa on a path toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Trinasolar’s presence in South Africa spans more than a decade, demonstrating its dedication to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solar solutions. The company’s Vertex modules are already deployed in large-scale renewable energy projects, including the 135MW Merak 1 Project, the 283MWdc Mooi Plaats Photovoltaic Power Plant, and the 195MW Springbok Utility Project. These installations highlight Trinasolar’s capability to drive the nation’s transition to a sustainable energy landscape.

Zaheer Khan, regional director for South Africa, remarked, “Trinasolar has been part of the South African energy landscape for over a decade, and our local investments are paying off. We have emerged as the largest solar equipment supplier in the country, with nearly a gigawatt of solar modules and 250MW of solar trackers delivered to local markets over the past year. Our focus remains on offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to help South Africa address its energy crisis and move towards a more sustainable future.”

At the exhibition, Trinasolar will also introduce the TrinaStorage Elementa 2 Pro – a 5MWh Energy Storage System (ESS) specifically engineered for South Africa’s unique climate and grid conditions. Designed to withstand high temperatures and humidity while addressing grid instability, Elementa 2 Pro offers advanced fire suppression technology, C5 anti-corrosion certification, and intelligent hybrid cooling for long-term reliability. Powered by Trinasolar’s self-developed 314Ah high-performance battery cells, the system delivers an impressive 15,000-cycle lifespan, reducing lifecycle costs and enhancing efficiency. With low-noise operation ideal for suburban projects and adherence to environmentally friendly design standards, Elementa 2 Pro strengthens TrinaStorage’s position as a leader in resilient energy storage solutions tailored to the region’s needs.

Trinasolar’s ongoing innovation and investment in South Africa reflect its strong commitment to supporting the country’s renewable energy transition. By delivering cutting-edge solar and storage solutions, the company is playing a crucial role in alleviating the power crisis while paving the way for a cleaner, more energy-secure future.

Global energy demand surged in 2024, says IEA

electricity_demand_surging_pylons_power_towers

World electricity demand is accelerating fast, according to the IEA. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Growth in global energy demand surged in 2024 to almost twice its recent average, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) data, providing solid demand fundamentals for the further growth of Africa’s natural resources sector

The latest edition of IEA’s Global Energy Review, shows that world energy demand rose by 2.2% last year – lower than combined GDP growth of 3.2%, but considerably faster than the average annual demand increase of 1.3% between 2013 and 2023.

Although it did not reference Africa, the report stated that emerging and developing economies accounted for over 80% of the increase in global energy demand during 2024.

This was despite slower growth in China, where energy consumption rose by less than 3%, half its 2023 rate and well below the country’s recent annual average.

It suggests that demand growth in territories such as Africa, and other emerging economies globally, proved robust over the past 12 months.

The acceleration in demand growth was led by the power sector, the IEA noted, with global electricity consumption surging by nearly 1,100 terawatt-hours, or 4.3%.

It said this was driven by record global temperatures, which boosted demand for cooling in many countries, as well as by rising consumption from industry, the electrification of transport and the growth of data centres and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, oil demand grew more slowly, rising by 0.8% in 2024.

Oil’s share of total energy demand fell below 30% for the first time ever, 50 years after it peaked at 46%.

“What is certain is that electricity use is growing rapidly, pulling overall energy demand along with it to such an extent that it is enough to reverse years of declining energy consumption in advanced economies,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.

“The result is that demand for all major fuels and energy technologies increased in 2024, with renewables covering the largest share of the growth, followed by natural gas.”

Birol also said that the strong expansion of solar, wind, nuclear power and electric vehicles is increasingly “loosening the links” between economic growth and emissions.

Even demand in advanced economies is rising again after years of declines, the report noted, with rapid growth of electricity worldwide driving up consumption of renewables, gas, coal and nuclear.

It provides a positive outlook generally for Africa’s natural resources sector and exports of both oil and natural gas, as well as metals and minerals supplying clean technologies around the world.

Overall, fossil fuels still made up nearly 60% of 2024 electricity generation, though IEA noted that the power mix is evolving.

It noted that hydropower installations more than doubled to over 25 GW citing the commissioning of large projects in Africa, China and southeast Asia.

IEA also flagged an uptick in nuclear construction starts in 2024, exclusively using Chinese and Russian designs, with Egypt launching commencing work on about 5 GW of potential power.

Renewables to meet almost half of global electricity demand by 2030

Leading the electrification of Africa

Schneider, Mitsumi boost East Africa’s power resilience

Ratnakar Vandanapu, business unit head at Mitsumi Distribution. (Image source: Schneider Electric)

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has appointed Mitsumi Distribution as an official distributor for its Secure Power solutions in East Africa

This partnership will enhance Schneider Electric’s regional presence, giving channel partners increased access to its power resilience solutions amid growing demand for data centres and digital infrastructure.

Powering East Africa?

Mitsumi Distribution, headquartered in Kenya, operates across Pan-Africa and the Middle East with nearly 30 years of experience. The company has a strong track record in enterprise, volume, and telecom distribution, managing 45 vendor partnerships across 36 countries. Having previously partnered with APC, a brand acquired by Schneider Electric in 2007, Mitsumi is well-positioned to support the expansion of Schneider Electric’s Secure Power portfolio across Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As East Africa continues to invest in ICT infrastructure, reliable power solutions remain a key requirement. Schneider Electric’s Secure Power portfolio meets this demand with a comprehensive range of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), cooling systems, and edge computing solutions.

Ratnakar Vandanapu, business unit head at Mitsumi Distribution, expressed, “We are excited to expand our partnership with Schneider Electric, bringing industry-leading Secure Power solutions to the East African channel marketplace. Our deep market expertise, strong logistical capabilities, and established relationships with over 3,200 reseller partners make us well-positioned to support the growing need for reliable power solutions in the region.”

Ben Selier, vice-president, of secure power, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, said, “Schneider Electric is committed to enabling the digital transformation of East Africa through sustainable and resilient power solutions. Partnering with Mitsumi Distribution allows us to efficiently serve customers in the region with our innovative Secure Power portfolio, ensuring uptime and business continuity for critical infrastructures.”

With a modern 100,000-square-foot logistics hub in Jebel Ali, Dubai, and a robust network of partners, Mitsumi Distribution is set to enhance the availability and deployment of Schneider Electric’s Secure Power solutions across East Africa.