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 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.

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.

Mini grids to drive energy access in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s president Julius Maada Bio has launched a new solar mini grid power initiative as part of efforts to green its energy sector and bring more electricity to previously underserved communities

The Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA) is a collaboration between the Sierra Leone government, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

SOGREA aims to increase energy access in rural communities across the country by 2027, deploying at least 5.2 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity through the installation of mini grids.

The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean and affordable electricity for the first time.

“Taking energy to the people is key,” said Maada Bio. “This project is a significant milestone. It demonstrates mutual trust and confidence with our partners, especially at a time when development assistance is dwindling globally. This shows we still enjoy goodwill.”

The president also insisted that his government remains committed to nurturing the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks to foster a successful clean energy sector.

“I am aware of the revised regulations for the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), and my government will ensure Parliament sets the required legal framework to support implementation,” added Maada Bio. 

“Together, we will make electricity accessible to all and no one will be left behind.”

At the heart of the SOGREA initiative is a ‘catalytic investment model’ to blend public and private sector support to create a favourable ecosystem for mini grid development.

Sierra Leone Energy Sector Lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a driving force behind the initiative, added that over the last two years, critical groundwork had been laid, including the revision of existing regulations under the EWRC Act, and the design of investment incentives to attract private developers.

The investment model includes reimbursement schemes, leveraging of additional financing, and regulatory mechanisms to bridge the gap between tariffs and what rural communities can afford and enabling private sector entities to develop, finance, own and operate their own solar minigrids.

The EU’s total investment in the initiative stands at €34mn (US$39mn).

“We are proud to support a project of this magnitude,” said ambassador Jacek Jankowski, head of the EU delegation to Sierra Leone, calling it “major milestone” in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and rural transformation.

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