Vol. 12 Issue 2

ISSN 1756-4417

www.AE-Africa.com March/April 2019

Filling the Energy Information Gap in Africa

March/April 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 2

CONTENTS FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

Local Impact Africa Beat 4 Why Women are a Force for Good in the Tech Beat 8 Climate Change Movement 14 Global Alternatives 11 Teach Beat African Politics 30 A New Lease on Transformer Life 16 Corporate 32 Africa Spotlight Conferences 34 Cameroon 14 Egypt 22 Vol. 12 Issue 2

ISSN 1756-4417

www.AE-Africa.com Feature Filling the Energy Information Gap in Africa Rolls-Royce Sees a Boost to its Bottom Line 26 Market & Policy AfDB Pledges $25 Billion to Climate Finance 28 Alternative Focus meeco Develops Clean Energy Products Redavia Solar Farm in Ghana

for Tourism Sector in Africa 28 Source: Redavia

All rights to editorial matter are reserved by Alternative Energy Africa, a Petroleum Africa Magazine, Inc. publication. No article may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Publisher Dianne Sutherland Publisher’s Note Over the past couple of years, the impact that sustainable development goals (SDGs) Contributing Editor are having across many industries is becoming increasingly measurable. One industry Jennifer Nickle that is really picking up the sustainability gauntlet is the tourism industry, with “green Advertising Inquiries tourism, eco-tourism and sustainable tourism” gaining momentum around the world, [email protected] African nations included.

Subscriptions Initially, the hospitality industry coined the phrase “green tourism,” requesting guests to [email protected] re-use their towels and linens, but actually did very little to conserve resources. Now, Africa Headquarters however, the phrase is taking on a new meaning. Green tourism is increasingly being 10G Ahmed Abd El- Aziz St., linked to eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, and the three are on the way to becoming completely integrated. New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Tel/Fax: +2 02 2517 7454 The future of green tourism will see sustainable measures put in practice along the entire value chain from lodging, Email: [email protected] catering, and transportation to sourcing only local inputs, for example. Hotels, resorts and even hostels will integrate Advertising Representatives practices that are aimed at environmental conservation which can include recycling, waste treatment, conserving Austria, Germany, Switzerland water and energy, and so on, with the goal being to leave little to zero carbon footprint, which the younger generation Eisenacher Medien cares deeply about. Erhardt Eisenacher Tel: +49 0228 2499 860 [email protected] The types of touristic activities being promoted are also changing, to include more eco-focused tourism around the globe, offering exotic destinations such as Azerbaijan, Iceland, South Africa, and Vietnam. The possibilities for Ghana enjoying a low-carbon footprint vacation are seemingly endless, from kayaking, whale watching, wildlife safaris, Research Development & and wine tasting, there are plenty of options. When planning your next holiday, just google a few of your preferred Financial Consultants Ltd. Tel: +233 302 767 919 destinations and add eco-tourism; you will be pleasantly surprised with the options the search returns! [email protected] In this issue’s Alternative Focus article, meeco Group offers a closer look at what is in the future of Botswana under Italy its sun2share project development and financing model (see page 29). Also in this issue, both Cameroon and Egypt Ediconsult Internazionale Anna De Bortoli are covered in-depth in the Africa Focus section; be sure to catch all the exciting developments in their respective Tel: +39 02 477 100 36 solar and wind sub-sectors. And finally, the African Development Bank is strengthening its position as a leading [email protected] multilateral investor in renewable energy projects; read more on its accomplishments in the Markets and Policy section. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome and can be sent to [email protected]. South Africa Antonette Benting Tel: +27 82 414 8191 Dianne Sutherland [email protected] Publisher 3 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Africa Beat

First Floating PV Project in South Africa Complete The solar power plant under the Bangweulu Power Company South Africa saw its first floating PV project completed. The floating is a JV with the Industrial Development Corporation and Neoen, a PV farm was undertaken by New Southern Energy, with the installation French company. operating at a dam next to a fruit farm just outside of Franschhoek in the country’s Western Cape province. The World Bank Group’s Scaling Solar Project awarded a contract to Neoen to construct a 100 MW solar power plant from the planned The floating PV project has a generation capacity of 60kW and will 500 MW under the project. help produce clean energy to the farm, while also minimizing evaporation from the farm’s dam and saving valuable agricultural land. Neoen holds a majority stake in the Bangweulu solar park and will be selling electricity to state firm ZESCO for the next 25 years at a rate The first phase of the of $60.15 per MWh. The project represents a total investment installation, which also of $60 million, $39 million of which was contributed by the IFC included the land- and OPIC. based solar installation on the Marlenique During the launch, President Lungu praised the IDC for taking up the farm, will allow the challenge to create an energy mix to bring solar power into the national facility to run 90% of electricity grid in response to the electricity deficit that affected the its energy intensive country in 2015.

Source: New Southern Energy cold storage, irrigation and wedding venue facilities off of the traditional electrical grid. A Winch Energy Signs Contract with Sierra Leone on Mini-Grids second phase, which features energy storage assets, will remove the Winch Energy signed a contract with the Ministry of Energy in Sierra farm from the electrical grid entirely. Leone; to provide electricity to 24 towns and villages in the northern part of the country through solar mini-grids as part of a public-private OPIC Funds Off-Grid Solar Kits in Chad partnership project. The Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP) is The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) committed $10 supported by UK aid grant funding and implemented by the United million to support the introduction of off-grid solar kits and appliances Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). in Chad. OPIC’s loan will help FinLux Ellen Sarl distribute solar kits and appliances to individuals, schools, health clinics and small businesses The first 12 mini-grids have already been installed. Winch Energy aims in Chad, providing them with an affordable source of reliable electricity. to make these operational by June 2019 with over 6,000 people set to benefit from a direct connection to the mini-grids in the first phase of The project is the 33rd OPIC has committed under the U.S. Power the project. An additional 12 larger mini-grids will be installed and Africa initiative and the first time OPIC has ever committed financing operated by Winch Energy starting Q4 2019, providing direct electricity to a project in Chad, one of the poorest countries in the world. connections to an additional 24,000 people. The 24 localities have a Last year, Chad ranked 186 out of 189 on the Human combined population of over 40,000 people who will benefit from proximity to the mini-grids, estimated to have a final combined installed Development Index. capacity of over 1.2 MW. When completed, RREP will be one of the largest off-grid projects of its kind in Africa to date. “OPIC is proud of its work supporting investment in the places where it is needed most – in this case bringing development finance to an The government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Energy has electricity project in Chad,” said David Bohigian, OPIC Acting President developed a strategy for active participation and involvement of the and CEO. “Expanding access to electricity is one of the most effective private sector in the operation and maintenance of solar mini-grid ways to empower people, improve their quality of life and foster systems through Public-Private Partnership arrangements. This UK economic growth.” aid-funded RREP will see 100 villages electrified by solar mini-grids by 2020. In addition, this project will make Winch Energy one of the Approximately 40% of Chad’s 15 million people live below the national biggest suppliers of electricity in Sierra Leone measured by the number poverty line and only 4% have regular access to electricity. In rural of customers. It also contributes to Winch Energy’s aim of implementing areas, electricity is particularly scarce, with only about 1% of the mini-grids at scale across the continent. population having access. The project will benefit the target communities through additional The solar kits and appliances that FinLux is distributing in Chad are business services (e.g. internet, refrigeration, printing, television, etc.), based on a battery produced in New York, USA and adapted for rural which will help to increase income within the locality and offer a better electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. Because women comprise half serviced trading center to the surrounding local population. The project of the company’s workforce, the project also advances OPIC’s 2X will also encourage productive uses of electricity and larger industrial Women’s initiative. loads such as milling and welding. These services will improve the socio-economic situation in the locality as well as ensure the Zambia’s Largest Solar Plant Complete long-term sustainability of the project. The local population will also President Edgar Lungu has commissioned a 54-MW solar power plant, benefit from Wi-Fi services to enhance communications, and as the construction of the Bangweulu plant reached completion. The educational material. Further, the project will help provide robust plant is Zambia’s largest renewable energy project, constructed at a infrastructure to the community health centers to assist with the cost of $60 million. country’s post-Ebola recovery. Electricity to the health centers will be

4 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

prioritized to ensure they have the capacity they need to provide In record time, Aptech Africa planned, installed and commissioned the adequate health services to the local populations, especially in the event 79kWp ground mounted solar power system which feeds the 125-kWh of any future health emergencies. lithium-ion SustainSolar storage system.

REDAVIA Chosen to Solarize Chocolate Factory Sustainable Power Generation from Cape Town, South Africa, built REDAVIA was chosen by Barry Callebaut to establish a solar farm at and delivered its pre-installed, temperature controlled, rugged their factory in Tema, Ghana. REDAVIA will deploy six solar units at SustainSolar 20-foot container, equipped with SMA solar and battery a total of 504 kWp at the Barry Callebaut factory in the Free Zone inverters and BYD batteries. This turn-key solution helped to reduce Enclave in Tema. the installation time on site and ensures a safe and tamper-proof operation of this world-class energy management and storage system.

The new solar powered battery system is now powering Eye Radio, a leading radio station in South Sudan’s capital Juba, with engineering support from AECOM International Development, and is no longer dependent on its old diesel generators as its primary power supply, which are now only being used as backup.

With the significantly reduced running time of the diesel gensets, the fuel savings alone will lead to a speedy payback of the hybrid-storage system. This also serves as proof of concept that solar and battery systems not only offer a sustainable renewable energy solution, but also make financial sense for most diesel powered off-grid operations that are so frequently found across Africa, and elsewhere.

Aptech Africa – with their headquarters based in Uganda with Source: Redavia representations in six further African countries – and Cape Town-based Jo Thys, Vice President of Cocoa Africa, said, “At Barry Callebaut, SustainSolar. will foster this new partnership, and discussions are we want to make sustainable chocolate the norm. Already, 14 out of already underway regarding additional sustainable energy projects 59 (24%) of our Group’s factories are running on 100% into Africa. renewable energy. The solar farm at our factory in Tema is another important step in our long history of investing into a sustainable Senegal Signs for Hydropower Plant with Sinohydro value chain.” The Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) signed an agreement with the Sinohydro for the construction of the Erwin Spolders, CEO and founder of REDAVIA, stated, “We are Koukoutamba power dam. The plant, with a capacity of 294 MW will thrilled to partner with a market leader on their sustainable energy be located in Guinea on the Bafing, the main tributary of the Senegal initiative. REDAVIA offers businesses the win-win of cost-efficiency River about 570 km from the capital Conakry. and clean energy that allows them to save money and achieve their sustainability targets at the same time.” In addition to constructing the dam, which will produce about 888 GWh per year, the project also includes the installation of two 225-kV In 2016, the Zurich based Barry Callebaut Group launched a program high-voltage lines spanning 600 km. The first will connect the plant called Forever Chocolate to make sustainable chocolate the norm by to Conakry and the second will connect it to the dam of Manantai. The 2025. Under the Forever Chocolate program, Barry Callebaut has project also provides for the construction of a dam access road with committed to four targets to address the biggest sustainability challenges a length of 150 km. in the chocolate supply chain: To eradicate child labor from the supply chain, to lift more than 500,000 cocoa farmers out of poverty, to use Its total cost has been estimated at $812 million, which is to be mobilized 100% sustainable ingredients in all products, and to become carbon by the builder. The project will be delivered turnkey to the beneficiaries. and forest positive. In order to become carbon positive, Barry Callebaut The construction work will take an estimated four years. does not only look at the carbon footprint created by its own operations and energy use, but also takes into account the carbon footprint of the KenGen to Drill Geothermal Wells in Ethiopia entire supply chain, including the production and processing of all raw The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), the Kenyan materials and related land use changes. electric company, has been awarded a geothermal drilling contract with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP). According to reports, KenGen is South Sudan Sees First Off-Grid partnered with unnamed Chinese companies. Solar Battery Hybrid Power System Aptech Africa recently successfully designed, built and installed the The contract that boosts KenGen’s business diversification process first off-grid solar battery hybrid power system in South Sudan. This was signed in late February. “By extending our services to Ethiopia, USAID-funded project, developed by AECOM International, we rely on our expertise, our deep knowledge of the Rift Valley and incorporated a one-of-a-kind containerized PV storage solution by our four decades of success in our drilling experiments,” said Rebecca SustainSolar. Miano, the executive director of KenGen.

5 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Africa Beat

The contract involves drilling and well maintenance in the Aluto region. a three-year period. BBOXX’s solar home systems are available to It will be financed by a $76 million loan from the World Bank to the customers via mobile money on a pay-as-you-go basis. This subsidy Ethiopian government. The drilling will be conducted in two phases, will encourage people to opt for clean solar energy as opposed to the second of which will be worth $6.2 million and will be conducted kerosene – contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 7. entirely by KenGen. BBOXX is a next generation utility transforming lives through affordable Solar to Power Gambian Schools and Health Centers utility provision. The company has been operating in Togo since Gambia will be the first country in the world to ensure all of its 1,100 December 2017, after being awarded a tender to install 300,000 solar rural schools and health centers will benefit from a reliable energy home systems by 2022 across the country, largely in rural areas. In supply using solar and battery technology. This will happen through 2018, BBOXX and EDF entered a partnership that left EDF holding a 20-MW solar energy and 400 km distribution project to transform a 50% stake in BBOXX’s Togo operations, operating as the brand energy access and cut costs, brought to Gambia by the European “BBOXX avec EDF” in Togo – accelerating investment and deployment Investment Bank (EIB). This is the EIB’s first engagement in Gambia of off-grid electricity. since 1991. The “CIZO Cheque” will first focus on 11 regions in Togo with the Access to clean energy in the Gambia is set to be transformed under lowest electrification rates, and this forms part of the Togo Government’s a new €142-million initiative to harness solar power and supply clean national electrification strategy, the “CIZO” initiative – which means energy across the country, backed by the EIB, World Bank and lighting up in the local “Guin” language. European Union. Tanzanian Solar-Hybrid Project Breaks Ground Once operational, the RP Global, an independent renewable energy developer and majority scheme will increase shareholder of JUMEME Rural Power Supply Ltd., announced that energy supply in construction of the first phase of its ambitious solar-hybrid mini-grid Gambia by one fifth project in Tanzania was in progress. In this first scaling phase, 11 new and transform mini-grids are currently being constructed to bring 24/7 electricity electricity access in supply to a population of more than 80,000 people. rural communities through the Built on a cluster of islands construction of a new in Lake Victoria, these

Source: EIB photovoltaic plant at independent solar-hybrid Jambur near Banjul, along with new power transmission and distribution mini-grids, equipped with infrastructure. The project will increase access to energy, ensure that battery storage technology, education and health services benefit from reliable power, and help to will electrify 20 villages. address current power shortages in the country. This project was enabled by the European Union, who The European Investment Bank support, the first engagement in Gambia provided co-financing

by the world’s largest international public bank since 1991 and largest through the ACP-EU Global Source: RP ever financing for investment in Gambia, was formally signed by Maria Energy Facility. Commissioning is scheduled to take place in June of Shaw-Barragan, director for lending operations outside of Europe, at this year. a ceremony in Banjul attended by Vice President Ousainu Darboe and Attila Lajos, Ambassador European Union. In the upcoming second scaling phase of the project, JUMEME aims to build up to 11 more mini-grids to electrify 23 additional villages, The European Union will provide €106 million for the clean energy bringing energy services to a population of over 160,000 people. This program to be implemented by national electricity utility NAWEC. project extension is well underway, with consents and permits already This includes €65 million under a 25-year long-term concessional loan secured and preparations for the implementation taking place. from the European Investment Bank and a €41-million grant from the European Union budget. The project will also be supported by €35.7 Apart from the obvious improvement of living conditions, bringing million in financing from the World Bank. power to these off-grid communities will set a full virtuous circle in motion; JUMEME’s first mini-grid system, which has been in operation Energy demand in Gambia has grown by 5.5% a year in recent years since early 2016, confirms the great potential for increased rural and the new 20-MW solar power plant feeding into the national energy economic growth when clean energy starts powering people’s lives grid will both significantly increase Gambia’s current generation and business ventures. This is especially true for women, who are capacity of 98 MW and enable electrification of rural areas. provided with a new means to gain economic independence by founding electricity-reliant businesses, such as hair salons or bakeries. In addition, Togo BBOXX Customers to Receive Subsidy access to electricity will enable the installation of irrigation systems BBOXX customers in Togo will receive a subsidy to spend on solar and water pumps, thereby reducing the adverse impact of draughts. It energy. This is the government subsidy for the purpose of solar energy will also improve the production of food and its storage. payments in Africa. The JUMEME venture was made possible through financial support Dubbed the “CIZO Cheque”, households with BBOXX solar home from the European Union under the ACP-EU Energy Facility, and systems will be granted a monthly subsidy of 2,000 FCFA (c.4$) over REA, Tanzania’s Rural Energy Agency.

6 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Power from Kariba Hydropower Dam Halved Due to a drop in the output of water levels in the reservoirs supplying the Kariba hydropower dam, power production has dropped by half. The power station at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is supplying both countries with electricity.

According to Reuters, the two countries agreed to the reduction in electricity production on each side of the border, from aproximately 1,000 MW, to 500 MW.

“The Zambezi River Authority has given us an annual allocation of 19 billion cubic meters of water, which means that we will only be able to generate 500 MW maximum,” said a representative of the Zambian power company.

Source: World Bank World Source: According to a technical bulletin issued jointly by Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the water level in the Kariba Dam has dropped to 43%.

Algeria Plans Two Power Plants In Algeria, two power plants with an individual capacity of 160 MW will be built in Adrar and In Salah. These two projects will ensure a continuous supply of electricity during the summer, according to Mohamed Arkab, the president and CEO of Sonelgaz.

The development of the plants include the installation of energy transfer stations with a capacity of 220 kV. Three of these infrastructures will be constructed, two in Adrar and one in In Salah. They will allow the electrical network which stops at In Salah, to extend towards Timimoune while passing by Adrar. These projects should come to fruition by 2022.

It is also expected that 600 km of high voltage transmission lines will be built over the next four years.

Morocco and Spain Plan 3rd Connection Morocco has signed with Spain a MoU for the construction of a third electricity interconnection between the two countries. The national electric firms of the two countries will soon carry out the appraisal work for the project, which should come into operation before 2026 and allow the transport of 700 MW of electricity. The cost of this new power line has been estimated at €150 million, which will be divided between the two countries.

“The construction of a third electricity interconnection line between Morocco and Spain will allow the integration of renewable energies, mainly photovoltaics into the European electricity system,” said the Spanish electricity company. The first interconnection between the two countries was commissioned in 1998. The submarine line is 28 km long and has a technical apacity of 700 MW. Another 31.3 km long line was also inaugurated in 2016.

Sonangol to Invest in Solar Angola’s state-run oil firm, Sonangol, has invested in the construction of a solar power plant. The firm will invest an estimated $33 million to establish the plant in the Namibe province.

The plant will be built in 2020, said Carlos Saturnino, chairman of Sonangol’s board of directors. It will have a first phase with a capacity of 25 MW, but this power will be increased to 100 MW in the future. Tech Beat

CMBlu and MANN+HUMMEL Partner on Sustainable Large-Scale Battery Storage for Energy Transition

CMBlu Energy AG and MANN+HUMMEL GmbH have signed an agreement for the joint development and industrialization of energy converters for organic redox flow batteries. The aim of both partners is to support electric mobility through the development of the charging infrastructure and offer the energy sector a sustainable and highly cost-efficient storage technology for a successful energy transition.

From the Idea to the Laboratory, then Series Production The business idea for redox flow batteries with organic electrolytes derived from lignin (Organic Flow) was already conceived in 2011 and since 2014, CMBlu has carried out intensive research and development. These batteries essentially consist of two tanks of Source: CMBlu liquid electrolyte and an energy converter, flexible customization to take into account the body also uses a redox reaction of organic which consists of a large number of adjacent respective application area. For example, solar molecules. We have now succeeded in applying rows of cells and is therefore also referred to power can be stored for several hours and then this principle to large-scale storage of electrical as a battery stack. The liquids are pumped fed into the grid at night. energy. For this purpose, we use the mostly through the battery stacks and is charged or unused resource of lignin, which is readily discharged as required. In order to achieve cost-effective mass available in unlimited quantities and accrues production, the most important components in amounts of millions of tons annually in the The technology developed by CMBlu has in the stack were adjusted to the organic pulp and paper industry. Our technology now reached the prototype stage. The further electrolyte. In this process, almost the entire enables a very large and cost-effective energy development and industrialization of the battery value chain for the stacks can be supplied storage system. The battery stack is the core stack is regulated in the long-term cooperation locally. There is no dependency on imports of the system and requires the highest quality agreement with MANN+HUMMEL. For this from other countries. In addition, the battery and process reliability in the production purpose, MANN+HUMMEL has created a stacks do not require rare-earth metals or heavy process. MANN+HUMMEL is a perfect spin-off named i2M GmbH (innovation- metals. The aqueous electrolytes in the system partner in the industrialization process,” to-market), which is dedicated to the are not combustible or explosive and can be explains CMBlu CEO Peter Geigle. development and commercialization of used safely. innovative technologies. In the next step “In line with our strategic initiatives to promote MANN+HUMMEL will build a complete Variety of Applications in the Grid clean air and clean mobility, we were very production line in a European plant. CMBlu Organic Flow Batteries are suitable for interested in the technology of CMBlu right will realize special pilot projects with reference numerous application areas in the power grid from the start. We believe that the expertise, customers in the next two years. Starting in such as the intermediate storage of power from product range and experience of 2021, CMBlu plans to market the first renewable energy generation or in connection MANN+HUMMEL offer considerable commercial systems. with the balancing of demand peaks in advantages for the production of battery stacks industrial companies. An additional application in order to quickly achieve the required Benefits of Organic Flow Batteries area is the charging infrastructure required for performance level and make the technology Similar to the principle of conventional redox electric mobility. The batteries enable a buffer cost-effective. The manufacture of flow batteries, CMBlu’s Organic Flow Batteries storage to relieve power grids which do not electrolytes includes a number of filtration store electrical energy in aqueous solutions of have to be upgraded for additional loads. It steps, which MANN+HUMMEL performs organic chemical compounds derived from enables simultaneous fast charging of electric using new special membranes. This technology lignin that are pumped through the energy vehicles. Ultimately, a decentralized charging further expands our product range and at the converter, i.e. battery stack. The special feature network for electric vehicles will only be same time contributes to build the of the flow batteries is that the capacity and possible in connection with a high performance infractruture needed for electric vehicles,” electrical output can be scaled independently. and scalable energy storage system. says Charles Vaillant, Chief Technology The number of stacks defines the output of the Officer at MANN+HUMMEL. “This also batteries. A higher number of stacks multiplies Nature as a Model for Energy Storage enables us to make a significant contribution the output. The capacity of the battery is only “Our concept is based on the mode of energy towards a sustainable energy transition limited by the size of the tanks. This allows in the human body. In the citric acid cycle the globally.”

8 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

DuPont and JinkoSolar Launch High-Efficiency Bifacial Module

At the 2019 International Photovoltaic Power Generation Expo (PV EXPO) in Tokyo, DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions, together with JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (JinkoSolar), unveiled the new Jinko high-efficiency bifacial module “Swan” protected by clear DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF film-based backsheet.

The bifacial panel named Swan is the latest addition to JinkoSolar’s Cheetah premium range. With a combination of high-efficiency Cheetah bifacial cells and clear DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF film, Swan can achieve a high- power output of up to 400W in the front side and up to 20 percent energy gain from the rear side. Leveraging clear DuPont backsheet materials, Swan can produce the same power output level as dual-glass bifacial module with lighter weight, easier installation and 30 years power warranty.

In addition, bifacial panels with transparent

backsheet can efficiently reduce the overall Source: DuPont system installation cost, as lower weight backsheets allow for higher reliability, lower modules are gradually becoming one of the reduces cost related to mounting and module operating temperature, up to 30 percent lighter mainstream industrial applications. The installation, compared with dual-glass bifacial weight, and a lower module installation clear backsheet materials can meet the module with frame, bringing higher IRR and cost. The clear Tedlar® PVF film is expected requirements of light-transmittance, lower LCOE for bifacial module photovoltaic to be a drop-in with most current weather-resistance and ultraviolet- (PV) projects. manufacturing processes for backsheets and resistance for bifacial solar panels. The clear modules with little, if any, additional backsheet materials combine core The clear DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF film is an investment in equipment needed for most advantages of light-weight, breathable, ideal backsheet material for bifacial modules manufacturing processes. high gain and easy cleaning, which will that can generate greater power output. further enhance the power output of bifacial Compared to a double glass module structure, With the iterative development of bifacial modules, and ultimately help promote the breathable, clear Tedlar® PVF film based power generation technology, bifacial grid parity.

www.africaminigrids.com Tech Beat

meteocontrol Launches blue’Log XC Power Plant Controller

meteocontrol GmbH launched sales of its the development of blue’Log XC power plant controller on data quality: “Our March 1, 2019. Together with the blue’Log many years of XM, this enhanced version of the proven experience have blue’Log X-Series is a future-oriented solution taught us that an to monitor and control photovoltaic systems. excellent data The standard solution with increased foundation is the key compatibility, data quality and IT security to success,” Martin quickly and precisely rules active and reactive Schneider said. “For power. The latest technical connection rules, advanced data analysis extending from the free-field system with done at the highest medium- and high-voltage grid feed-in (VDE- level, such as machine Source: Meteocontrol AR-N 4110/4120) to the roof system with meteocontrol. “The product launch has been learning, the blue’Log X-Series produces self-consumption (VDE-AR-N 4105, zero prepared in the best possible way.” excellent quality data.” feed-in), can be met as a result. Parameterizing instead of programming – In developing the blue’Log XC, meteocontrol With the blue’Log X-Series, meteocontrol set meteocontrol continued to systematically apply reacted to the constantly rising demands of its strategic goal for a future-proof monitoring the standard solution concept as a way of PV grid integration; the transparent controller solution in 2014. Drawing on a detailed market reducing planning efforts and minimizing core makes it possible, for the very first time, analysis and a comprehensive examination of commissioning risks: Functions and to integrate control behavior into the grid customer feedback, the nationally and compatibilities can be validated in advance in simulation model. As a result, country-specific internationally successful provider of test environments. The user interface shows connection rules like those of the application independent monitoring systems exhaustively transparently how the system is configured rule TCR medium-voltage (VDE-AR-N 4110) refined the blue’Log X-Series. It introduced and which devices are connected. in Germany can be correctly implemented and the blue’Log XM device in 2018 and the grid integration significantly improved. blue’Log XC for power plant control on The combination of the blue’Log XM and meteocontrol’s new power plant controller March 1. Together, they create an exceptional blue’Log XC can be used in every PV system quickly and precisely controls active and industry-wide team for monitoring and grid around the world, from inverters, sensors and reactive power. In the process, it ensures stable integration of PV systems. “We subjected the meters to monitoring of trackers, thanks to its control at the grid-connection point. The new blue’Log XC power plant controller to a high level of compatibility. The well-conceived blue’Log XC fulfills individual requirements comprehensive field test in more than 150 user management system and the encryption at the grid connection of PV systems, such as systems and gained a vast amount of experience of remote access and data transmission zero feed-in, with the help of project-specific and knowledge in the process,” said Martin guarantee a high level of IT security. parameterizing by means of a graphic user Schneider, the Managing Director of meteocontrol also placed a high priority on interface.

Tigo Introduces Handheld Tool for Installers to Validate & Simplify Rapid Shutdown

Tigo®, pioneer of the smart modular Flex The TS4-F, RSS Transmitter, MLPE platform, today announced its new RSS and RSS Signal Detector (Rapid Shutdown System) Signal Detector to comprise Tigo’s most cost- accompany its RSS Transmitter released last effective rapid shutdown quarter. Tigo’s RSS Signal Detector is a testing system architecture when device for sensing the power-line paired with Tigo’s UL- communication (PLC) signal which is certified TS4-F (integrated) or generated by Tigo’s RSS Transmitter and TS4-R-F (retrofitted/add-on) controls Tigo’s TS4-F (Fire Safety) units. The solutions along with the RSS Signal Detector is used during installation standalone or inverter- and commissioning to verify that the TS4-F integrated RSS Transmitter. units are receiving the rapid shutdown keep- The RSS Transmitter Kits are alive signal from the RSS Transmitter. It is a available as Single Core and handheld, failsafe tool that PV installers use Dual Core with accessories to

to test the system or identify the source of a make it an ideal fit for any PV Source: Tigo problem with systems that do not function system size. designed this failsafe tool for PV installers so properly. The RSS Signal Detector identifies they can save time and money to ensure keep- the controlling signal for systems that are “This RSS Signal Detector is first-to-market alive signal at any time and at any installation. compliant with U.S. National Electric Code and the only testing tool for rapid shutdown,” Almost all states have now adopted NEC 2017, (NEC) 2017 690.12 rapid shutdown says Zvi Alon, Chairman & CEO at Tigo. and this completes the most cost-effective specifications. “After launching the Fire Safety solution, we compliant solution available today.”

10 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Global Alternatives View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

Building Energy Inaugurates the Queule PV Park in Chile

Building Energy SpA, a multinational Italian company operating as a Global Integrated IPP (Independent Power Producer) in the renewable energy sector, has inaugurated the Queule photovoltaic park, located in the Municipality of Las Cabras, Chile in the region of O'Higgins. The plant, realized by Building Energy Andes SpA, a joint venture born from the collaboration with The Scotta Group, an Italian company specialized in the design, construction and installation of hydroelectric power plants and in industrial automation, has an installed capacity of 8,2 MWdc.

The energy produced (16 GWh per year) will be used to meet the energy needs of more than

13,500 families living in the Municipality of Source: Building Energy Las Cabras, contributing every year to the for a total installed capacity of 21.5 MW. All it is located in the Municipality of San Pedro. reduction of 6,450 tons of CO2 emissions for projects fall under the PMGD category The construction of the 2.7 MWdc mini the benefit of citizens and the surrounding (Pequeno Medio de Generacion Distribuida) hydroelectric power plant La Confianza, in environment. The construction of the because they have a capacity of less than the Municipality of Los Angeles, which will photovoltaic park, which began in February 9 MW and benefit from a stabilized price, set make 9 GWh of energy available per year, has 2018 and ended in November of the same year, by the National Energy Commission. recently begun. required a total investment of $9.5 million. For the development of the project, which also Two of these plants, built in the VII Region Building Energy Andes is also developing a includes an environmental impact permit, and entered into operation last year, generate second portfolio of projects, for a total capacity Building Energy Andes has used the financing a total of 14 GWh of renewable energy: the of about 30 MW, for which is expected an of the Chilean credit institute Banco Security. Peralillo photovoltaic park (3.5 MW), built in investment of about $30 million. The main the Municipality of Hualañé, has been project in this portfolio will be the PV park in Building Energy, involved in Chile in the operational since March 2018; while Villa Prat Punitaqui, located in the Coquimbo development of over 250 MW of projects, (3.5 MW), located in the Municipality of Region, which has also obtained the during 2018 obtained funding with a worth of Sagrada Familia, has been active since July. environmental impact permit. The entry into about $19 million for the construction of four The Alto Solar plant (3.5 MW), which has operation of the plant, which will have a solar plants and a mini-hydroelectric plant, been in operation since September 2018, capacity of about 9 MW, is expected by the located in the central regions of the country, produces about 6 GWh of energy per year and end of the year.

Solar in Space

China is planning something that has been over Integration in a half-a-century in the making, solar in space. Southwestern China, First proposed in 1968 by aerospace engineer as revealing that a Peter Glaser, the concept of a power-generating testing facility in platform in orbit has been batted around but Chongqing’s Bishan the logistics in the cost have been prohibitive. district is being built and will be used to test China is now taking that idea and planning to the theoretical viability move forward with it. The Asian country plans of a space-based solar to take this popular idea among scientists and power station. build the world’s first solar power station in space to provide “inexhaustible clean energy,” China is not the only according an article in Science and Technology Asian country to Daily, the official newspaper of China’s consider this scientific Ministry of Science and Technology. leap, Japan has had the idea in its playbook for They claim to be already testing the A report in China Daily cited Xie Gengxin, some time also. Plans to develop an orbital technology and intend to build the station deputy head of the Chongqing Collaborative array of photovoltaic dishes were announced by 2050. Innovation Research Institute for Civil-Military in Japan some time ago, according to CNN.

11 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Global Alternatives

Aalborg CSP Secures New Order for Industrial Solar Heating Plant in Denmark

Aalborg CSP, the Danish renewable energy Renewable energy specialist and a well-known player on the is a well-known industrial and district heating market, landed territory for the a new order to deliver a 2.6 MWth solar- district heating thermal plant in Denmark. With the system in plant, who joined Egedal, Aalborg CSP continues its series of the ring of new projects based on customized solutions renewable heat

with solar and storage supporting a competitive and hot water Aalborg CSP Source: transition to renewable energy. producers in 2018 with the installation of a Combined with the district heating plant’s biomass boiler. With the construction of a new already existing biomass boiler and an The sun undoubtedly continues to be a game- solar heating plant, the district heating plant accumulation tank with a capacity of 2,400 changing energy source for the district heating takes yet another step towards a greener and m3, the solar heating plant will provide industry in Denmark, where most district more sustainable energy production. sustainable heating to 875 customers in heating plants typically switch from natural Stenløse and Ølstykke. gas to solar or biomass. The 3,458 square meter solar field, when constructed, will consist of 34 rows of flat Construction of the plant will commence in Aalborg CSP received the order from the panels with up to 10 collectors per row. With the beginning of spring and the solar energy Danish district heating plant Egedal Fjernvarme a capacity of 2.6 MWth, the plant is capable system is expected to be harvesting its first A/S to deliver a 2.6 MWth solar heating plant. of producing 1,850 MWh heat per year. sunrays this coming summer. EIB Offers €255 to Support Upgrade of Greek Electricity Network

One of the largest financiers of global energy the European Investment Bank, which will headquarters in Athens by Manolis infrastructure, the European Investment Bank materially contribute in the improvement of Panagiotakis, Chairman and CEO of PPC S.A. announced it would provide a new €255 million electricity distribution. Besides, EIB has been and Ioannis Kaltsas, responsible for public long-term loan with the Greek Public Power a long-term partner of the Greek energy sector lending by the European Investment Corporation (PPC), the largest power sector, providing financial support and Bank in Greece and Cyprus. The remaining producer and electricity supplier in Greece, to valuable knowhow,” said Giorgos Stathakis, €100 million is expected to be signed as the upgrade electricity distribution across the Minister of Energy & Environment, in project progresses. country. The new 20-year loan, guaranteed by a statement. the Hellenic Republic, represents one of the Expansion of the national electricity largest ever EIB loans for electricity investment The first European Investment Bank financing distribution network will cater for the expected in Greece. for investment in Greece in 2019 will support increased future demand and enable energy a €510 million national investment consumers across Greece to benefit from a “The reliable supply of electricity and program implemented by the Hellenic more reliable electricity supply. A total of addressing increased energy needs require Electricity Network Operator (HEDNO), a 7,327 km of new medium- and low-voltage significant long-term investments for the wholly owned subsidiary of PPC. The first electricity distribution lines will be modernization and the reinforcement of part of the new European Investment Bank installed that will improve distribution electricity infrastructure of the country. Within loan, to PPC, parent company of HEDNO, efficiency and increase network resilience this context, I welcome the new initiative of totaling €155 million, was signed at the PPC and stability. Siemens Gamesa to Supply 21 MW to Inner Mongolia

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) electrolytic aluminum reached a contract to supply six SG 3.4-132 plant of SPIC. The wind turbines with a flexible power rating of demonstration project 3.65 MW to a wind farm project in Inner maximizes the use of Mongolia, China. The project is developed by local resources, the State Power Investment Corporate (SPIC) including wind, of China, and it is the first order SGRE received coal, water and from SPIC. heating, etc.

The order also marks the first landing of The latest wind Siemens Gamesa 3.X platform model in China, project is also

and commissioning is expected in August 2019. Source: Siemens expected to gather Siemens Gamesa will also be responsible for The project, located in Holingola, Tongliao wind farm performance data for a planned the operation and maintenance of the turbines city, is designed as a continuation of a circular 6 GW wind power base of SPIC that for 5 years, and 6-20 years warranty for major economy demonstration project with has been approved to establish in components. generated electricity to be self-used by an Inner Mongolia.

12 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

Marguerite Closes 100 MWp Solar PV deal with OPDEnergy

Marguerite, a leading European infrastructure for Climate Change (Oficina Española de fund, has acquired an 80% stake from Cambio Climático – OECC), such production OPDEnergy in two ready-to-build solar will contribute to avoid the annual emission photovoltaic (PV) assets with a total capacity of 80,000 tons of CO2 in the atmosphere. In of 100 MWp, located in Merida (Extremadura addition, the construction of the plants will region) and Cadiz (Andalucia region), Spain. result in the creation of 400 new jobs at their peak; the projects will subcontract supporting The construction of the solar PV plants is services from local companies and planned to be completed by late 2019, with a communities. total expected yearly production of 200 GWh

once under operation. The 100-MWp portfolio Source: OPDEnergy OPDEnergy has structured the PPA and is is part of the capacity awarded to OPDEnergy among the best in the business at sourcing, responsible for the construction of the plants during the last regulatory auctions conducted developing and optimizing solar PV assets at under an EPC contract. After commissioning, in Spain. The plants, however, will sell ideal locations. We are excited about our future OPDEnergy will carry out the assets’ operation electricity under a long-term PPA signed with collaboration with the company,” stated and maintenance as well as the management Centrica, an investment-grade counterparty. William Pierson, Partner at Marguerite. of their technical and commercial activities. OPDEnergy and Marguerite intend to expand the portfolio by an additional 100 MWp of Once both projects are in operation and “To close this joint investment with Marguerite, solar PV assets later this year. connected to the grid by the end of 2019, they one of the leading European infrastructure funds, will produce enough renewable energy to is an important milestone for the company and “This investment follows our renewable supply the equivalent of 52,000 households reinforces our strategy to team up with key strategy to focus on low-subsidy projects with with clean electricity. According to parameters financial investors in the delivery of our highly competitive LCOE. OPDEnergy is estimated and released by the Spanish Office pipeline,” stated Luis Cid, OPDEnergy’s CEO.

Worldwide Wind Power Capacity Reaches 600 GW

According to the World Wind Energy a not-so-strong year in 2017 when a system towards renewable energy is on its Association (WWEA), the overall capacity of comparatively modest 19 GW were installed. way, and wind power is a major force in this all wind turbines installed worldwide by the China continues its undisputed position as development, having become a major pillar of end of 2018 reached 600 Gigawatt (GW), the world’s wind power leader, with an power supply throughout the world. Some according to preliminary statistics published accumulated wind capacity of 221 GW. countries are making very good progress in by WWEA in February. 53,900 Megawatts accelerating wind power deployment (MW) were added in the year 2018, slightly The second largest market, the USA, saw an rates. Such acceleration is imperative more than in 2017 when 52,552 MW were increase in new capacity from 6.7 GW in 2017 not only to achieve the objectives of the Paris installed. 2018 was the second year in a row to 7.6 GW in 2018, in spite of less ambitious Climate Change agreement and the with a growing number of new installations national climate and energy targets. This Sustainable Development Goals, but also for but at a lower rate of 9.8%, after 10.8% growth positive development is certainly not only a every country to participate in the full in 2017. All wind turbines installed by the end result of the economics of wind power, but socio-economic advantages of renewable of 2018 can cover close to 6% of the global also of strong and comprehensive support on energy. electricity demand. the state and municipal level. Soon, the US will be the second country after China reaching “In this sense, it is very unfortunate that Europe The year 2018 was mainly characterized by an installed capacity of more than 100 GWs. seems to lose track in terms of new wind new dynamics. While the European wind power installations. On the other hand, it is markets were on a decline, with most European Out of the leading markets, the US (7.6 GW encouraging to see that Europe seems to states showing weak development, including added, reaching 96 GW in total), Germany understand the importance of citizens-based Germany, Spain, France and Italy, at the same (3.1 GW new, overall 59 GW), India (2.1 GW approaches by giving special attention to time, robust or even stronger growth was added*, 35 GW total capacity*) United prosumer and community power models. Given observed in countries such as China, India, Kingdom (2.9 GW new, 20.7 GW total), Brazil the increasing importance of power generation Brazil, many other Asian markets and also (1,7 GW new*, 14.5 GW total*) and France also for the transportation and heating/cooling some African countries. (1.5 GW new, 15.3 GW total) all saw sectors, models supporting self-consumption substantial growth, although in some cases of renewable energy and empowering citizens The by far largest wind power market, China, well above, in others well below the and communities should be promoted installed an additional capacity of 25.9 GW previous year. everywhere around the world. Citizens in and has become the first country with an industrialized and developing countries installed wind power capacity of more than Stefan Gsänger, WWEA Secretary General, alike will tremendously benefit from such 200 GW. It has re-taken the growth path after said: “The global transformation of the energy political programs.”

13 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Local Impact By Naza Alakija

Why Women are a Force for Good in the Climate Change Movement

Environmental degradation and issues such as plastic pollution and poor waste management are affecting countries all across Africa

limate change and issues relating to it has recently been to education has been associated with early child marriages and C at the forefront of much public debate. Nations globally children’s affiliation with terrorist and guerrilla warfare are implementing new policies to win the race against groups. Environmental degradation and issues such as plastic climate change while others (minority) neglect to acknowledge pollution and poor waste management are affecting countries all that it is actually happening. The United Nations has now intervened across Africa; not only will this negatively affect the economic and has urged leaders that change needs to commence NOW. There development, but it will also create unhealthy and perilous is supporting evidence that implicates “irreversible changes in environments for our children. major ecosystems and the planetary climate system” awaits us if we do not begin to make changes promptly. What can we do? In my personal opinion, one of the first and most important ways What is Climate Change? in which we can make a difference is by taking accountability. From an increase in the earth’s temperature, to extreme weather Means through which this can be implemented is by harboring patterns, and rising sea levels from melting ice caps, climate change proper waste management and recycling in our homes, be conscious is a global phenomenon that is caused primarily from the burning of your carbon footprint, utilize public transport when possible and of fossil fuels; this releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse “do not waste”; this includes food, (precious) water, clothing, and gases into our atmosphere which in turn results in heat entrapment. other materials. Other causes include agriculture and deforestation. Furthermore, materials such as plastic are by products of the second industrial revolution that are causing damaging effects to the planet; The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Economic Forum stated that by “2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans.”.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time that has already had drastic effects throughout Africa causing problems such as desert encroachment, changing weather patterns, and prolonged droughts to name a few. These challenges amplify all types of inequality which include gender; women and children are among those affected, especially those who have had to migrate as a result of natural disasters such as flooding. In Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, women are often victims of sexual abuse and children lack access to a proper education. Lack of access Source: Flourish Africa Source: Flourish

14 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Talk about it and empower those around you. Especially children, issues that come with this environmental disaster magnifies problems nieces/nephews, and grandchildren. They are our future and it is such as gender discrimination. our obligation to teach them about the importance of protection of our environment. Growing up as a child I recall one of the Women throughout Africa are now becoming a part of this movement worst forms of punishment my mother bestowed was not and are paving the way for others to join. One example that caught permitting me to play outdoors. Now, imagine a time where a child my attention is Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, an indigenous woman does not have that option simply because we failed in providing from the Mbororo pastoralist community of Chad. She has been them with a safe environment. Is this not the least we owe to a part of international high-level policy discussions on climate our children? change for over a decade. In 2017, she stated “Indigenous women are the most affected by climate change…they are the ones who Since ‘times and generations’ have changed drastically, it is are collecting food and water to feed their families...In my imperative that we begin to make changes within the educational communities and in my regions, women have the knowledge of system. Governments and policymakers need to implement climate water protection, food collection, and land protection…The roles change within the curriculums, and they need to raise public these women hold are very important at the community level….”. awareness. Climate change is affecting most of the world’s Ibrahim has co-developed a 3D mapping project that aims to give population today, however, those living in poverty are affected a voice to the Indigenous People in national platforms, to promote first. UNICEF, the leading organization in children’s rights, has cohabitation, biological conservation and peace during times stated that “climate change is a major factor driving migration in of scarcity. West and Central Africa….Severe flooding and drought is already causing the loss of livelihoods and displacement, while No matter what your mission in life is, whatever path you have changing climate patterns are making some forms of agriculture chosen to create, will it not be important to implement this in a increasingly unsustainable.” Currently, UNICEF is working on safe, harmonious and sustainable environment? At the 2019 World providing communities with tools and methods in which they can Economic Forum, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden deal with environmental disasters and in addition to this, they are said, “This is about being on the right side of history. Do you want increasing opportunities within a sustainable green economy. to be a leader that looks back in time and say that you were on the These include development of cyclone and flood-proof schools, wrong side of the argument when the world was crying out for a climate and environmental education, youth-led innovation solution?” hubs and climate resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) systems. It is not easy to change our daily habits, and from my own experience, it takes much time and effort to implement a conscious way of Today, women all over the world are fighting for gender equality, living. However, as citizens of this world, we must all take women’s rights and equal opportunities. The climate change responsibility for our actions, and give back to the environment movement is no exception to this and as previously mentioned, the that has sustained us for millennia.

20 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 By Barry Menzies, Tech Beat Managing Director Global, MIDEL

A New Lease of Transformer Life REASONS to RETROFILL

actories, hospitals, universities, airports: very different F facilities with very different energy demands, but they have at least one thing in common – for each of them, there is probably someone lying awake at night worried about transformer failure.

The recent MIDEL Transformer Risk Report (TRR) indicated that more than 80% of professionals working with transformers worry about a failure, with half predicting a significant effect on operations in the event of one.

With safety and business continuity in the balance, it’s vital for asset managers to ensure their transformers remain fit for purpose as they age, and as the demands placed on them (and the built environment around them) increase. However, replacing a As such, retrofilling with esters can provide a major safety upgrade transformer can be an expensive and disruptive process. If only – the number one concern of any asset manager. This is especially there was a way to upgrade or prolong the life of a transformer important for transformers in sensitive locations, such as within in situ. hospitals, in the proximity of flammable materials, or near the general public. Enter retrofilling Retrofilling is the process of draining and replacing the transformer’s You might wonder why mineral oil would have been used in these insulating liquid. Typically, the liquid being replaced is mineral oil locations in the first place (we have even seen a mineral oil – the go-to transformer fluid for much of the market due to its low transformer in the basement below a maternity ward – it has since price and adequate performance in most business-as-usual scenarios. been retrofilled with ester fluid). It’s a matter of awareness and The replacement is usually an ester fluid, which offers a number education; the fact is, in past decades there were few well-known of advantages. Generally, any distribution network level transformer alternatives to mineral oil, making it the only option by default. previously filled with mineral oil can be straightforwardly retrofilled However, attitudes to risk change and esters are now well-known with an ester fluid (some technical considerations apply). But what and widely available. Retrofilling, where technically possible, is are the reasons to do so? a cost-effective way to improve safety compared to replacing the transformer. When it comes to safety, the bottom line is that ester Reason one: Safety, safety, safety fluids are an accepted technology, so the decision to use mineral Mineral oil has a relatively low fire point at 170oC, at which it can oil in a transformer is a decision to accept a higher degree of risk. potentially ignite and cause dangerous pool fires if the transformer ruptures, as evidenced by the host of transformer fire videos on Reason two: Asset life extension YouTube and Google. Another major concern of any asset manager is to prolong the life of their assets and thereby extract maximum value from them. Ester fluids, by contrast, are K-class fire-rated, meaning their fire Transformers are expensive and having to replace one before it is o points are at least 300 C, drastically reducing fire risk. Even in the absolutely necessary is a difficult proposition to make to the event of a failure, ester-filled transformers will not cause pool fires. finance director.

16 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Retrofilling with esters can help by prolonging the transformer’s installed. While these risks may once have been deemed acceptable, lifespan (and in some cases enabling the transformer to operate they are less likely to be now. For any transformer-operating firm under increased load). One of the key factors that drives aging in with a robust CSR program or other commitment to the environment, transformers is water, which can ingress from the atmosphere, or retrofilling with non-toxic, biodegradable esters is an appealing be produced during paper aging processes. This water then option. For example, in the 1990s European utility Vattenfall accelerates the degradation of the solid insulation material. Esters, embarked on a transformer retrofilling initiative in Berlin. The city however, have a far higher moisture saturation point than mineral presents very specific challenges for transformer installations since oil, meaning they can absorb more water. This effectively keeps much of the city is zoned as water protection areas, requiring the solid insulation drier which reduces its rate of degradation, safeguards regarding spillages of hazardous materials, including thereby slowing down the paper aging process and prolonging mineral oil. To date more than 1,200 distribution transformers in transformer life. In theory, esters can give a 5-7 times increase in the city have been retrofilled with ester fluid. insulation longevity in this way. It is realistic to expect an insulation life extension of between 25% and 50% (if not more) – music to Reason five: Bolstering reputation a finance director’s ears. Improving health and safety and environmental performance with ester fluids are worthy goals in themselves. However, there is extra Reason three: A powerful financial case value to be had in the reputational boost these efforts offer. A There are other financial benefits to retrofilling beyond asset life proactive communications campaign built around a retrofilling extension, too. One is concerned with insurance. Certain insurers program can help a company boost its reputation to its customers such as FM Global have studied the risks related to transformer and other stakeholders. fluids and now specify what they call “less flammable fluids” in certain circumstances, rather than mineral oil. Conversely, there is a significant reputational risk that comes with a major safety or environmental incident. It may seem ‘softer’ than As such, retrofilling with esters may be the difference between a the hard numbers of the financial argument, but a responsible board policy renewal being approved or rejected, or open up more choice will be mindful of such events damaging the company – not to between insurers on the market. In some instances, it may even mention any negative impact it may have on its business performance lower premiums. Ready to retrofill Secondly, retrofilling can be useful from an accounting point of It is true that all transformers will eventually need replacement view. Along with finance directors, asset managers must always whether they are retrofilled or not, and a company may have its play a juggling act between capital and operational expenditure own reasons for investing in new assets rather than extending the (capex and opex). If upgrades are required to the transformer fleet life of the existing fleet. However, since retrofilling brings so many but there is insufficient capex budget to replace all transformers, benefits, why not extend asset life with ester fluids, especially others can potentially be retrofilled from the opex budget, thus when doing so is likely to more than offset the investment? delivering the benefits of ester fluids immediately, without capital outlay. The actual retrofilling process is minimally disruptive and can often be completed within eight to 12 hours – easily within the timeframe Both benefits should be attractive to any finance director. of most planned maintenance schedules. Normal production or operations are usually hardly affected. It is a simple, proven process Reason four: Better for the environment with minimal risk involved, if all safety procedures are observed, Another drawback of mineral oil is that it is both toxic and non- and is usually performed by experienced oil service contractors. biodegradable. In the event of a leak it can damage the local For almost any company operating one or more distribution network environment. For transformers placed near fragile ecosystems or with transformers filled with mineral oil, the case for retrofilling water sources, such damage can potentially be significant. with ester fluids is compelling. For a relatively low investment per transformer, the company can bolster its business continuity strategy As with health and safety, our society-wide attitudes to risk have and enjoy major safety, environmental and financial benefits by evolved in the decades since many of these transformers were first giving their transformers a new lease of life.

Integrated Media Planner2019 www.petroleumafrica.com

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President: President Paul Biya (since November 1982) Independence: January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) Population: 25,640,965(July 2018 est.) GDP (purchasing power parity): $89.54 billion (2017 est.) Paul Biya UN photo GDP - real growth rate: 3.5% (2017 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP): $3,700 (2017 est.) Minister of Water and Energy: Gaston Eloundou Essomba Electricity - production: 8.108 billion kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - consumption: 6.411 billion kWh (2016 est.) Electricity - installed generating capacity: 1.558 million kW (2016 est.) Source: CIA FactBook CAMEROONCAMEROON

Politics & History October 2018 election with 71.28% of the vote. Maurice Kamto, the What is now Cameroon saw European ‘visitors’ on its shores as early opposition leader who had declared himself the winner a few hours as the 1500s in the form of the Portuguese, however, malaria prevented after the polls closed, refused to attend the declaration ceremony after any significant European settlement or colonialization in the interior his party was said to have taken just 14% of the vote. until the late 1870s. The early European presence in Cameroon was primarily devoted to coastal trade. According to reports the voter turnout was 54%, far lower than in previous elections, and was just 10% in English-speaking regions, In mid-1884, all of present-day Cameroon and parts of several of its where rebels have been fighting a bitter battle for secession since their neighbors became a German colony. Unlike with some other colonial demands for English speakers to be appointed in courts and schools masters, Germany invested in infrastructure in its colony, such as were brutally suppressed by the authorities. extensive railways and hospitals. Unfortunately, to see these projects to fruition, the Germans initiated the forced labor system. During Kamto’s campaign manager said: “We don’t recognize Biya as the World War I the British invaded Cameroon from Nigeria, ousting the president of the republic. We want Cameroonians to know that Germans. Following the war, the colony of Cameroon was partitioned things will start happening now. We wouldn’t take this lying down.” between Britain and France. France gained the larger geographical Kamto was subsequently charged by a military court with rebellion, share while Britain’s territory was a strip bordering Nigeria from the insurrection and “hostility to the homeland,” after his political party sea to Lake Chad. staged peaceful protests in several of Cameroon’s major cities. Having been arrested in January, as of March 25 Kamto was still being detained In 1958 French Cameroon was granted self-government with Ahmadou by the government. Ahidjo as prime minister. In 1960 the country became fully independent with Ahidjo as president. Ahidjo served as president from 1960 to Economy 1982. He presided over one of the few successful attempts at African On the economic end, Cameroon is tagged as a lower-middle-income unity; the joining of the southern half of the former British Cameroon country. Cameroon is endowed with rich natural resources, including with the larger, French-speaking Cameroon. In 1982 Ahidjo was oil and gas, minerals, high-value species of timber, and agricultural succeeded by Cameroon’s current president, Paul Biya. products, such as coffee, cotton, cocoa, maize, and cassava. Despite this abundance of riches, the country’s poverty reduction rate is lagging President Biya is Africa’s oldest head of state, having been in power behind its population growth rate, and poverty is increasingly since 1982. In 2008 parliament amended the constitution to allow Biya concentrated, with 56% of the poor living in the northern regions. to run for a third term in 2011. The opposition condemned the move as a “constitutional coup” but Biya still ran in 2011, winning with 78% Cameroon is experiencing an economic crisis triggered by its reliance of the vote. Recently Biya secured a seventh term in office despite on income earned through oil exports. It has, therefore, had to put fiscal credible allegations of vote rigging, electoral fraud, and targeted threats adjustment measures in place to adjust to the terms of trade shock and of violence against opponents. Biya was declared the winner in the restore macro-stability and confidence in the common currency.

18 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 On a more positive note, growth in Cameroon accelerated in Q1 2018, environment will be key to attracting this investment to further develop and while the numbers for the year are not in yet, GDP is expected to the sector and ultimately lowering the cost of electricity in the country. reach 3.8% for the year. Although the drop in oil prices the industry experienced hurt the economy, natural gas is taking up the slack that Nachtigal oil has left. The expected GDP rebound for 2018 is mostly driven by Backed by the World Bank through its International Finance Corp an increase in natural gas, with a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) (IFC), the Nachtigal Hydropower Project will be the next low cost, offshore terminal coming online. hydropower site to be developed on the Sanaga River. The dam aims to increase the availability of reliable, renewable energy power The economy is also being aided by an uptick in agriculture, boosted throughout the country. The dam will also be a key part of the effort by stronger demand from neighboring Chad, CAR, and Nigeria; and to reduce electricity costs, and will provide an additional 30% of the start of public works preparations for the 2019 Africa football installed capacity, as well as clean, sustainable energy. tournament; unfortunately, Cameroon was since stripped of hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations due to infrastructural delays, the Boko Haram insurgency and the Anglophone Crisis.

Cameroon is looking to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035, however, to achieve this the World Bank’s Country Economic Memorandum said it will need to increase productivity and unleash the potential of its private sector. Specifically, Cameroon’s real GDP will have to grow by roughly 8% (or 5.7% per capita) over the period to 2035, which in turn will require the investment share of GDP to increase from about 20% in 2015 to 30% in 2035, and productivity growth to reach 2% over the same period from its average zero growth rate over the past decade. Nachtigal dam 3D view Bank World Source:

These challenges, though daunting, can be met. The public expenditure The €1.2-billion power generation project will consist of a 420-MW hydroelectric power station as well as a 50-km transmission line. It is review published by the World Bank in February 2018 proposes five expected to come online in 2023 if current timelines are adhered to. ways to achieve these goals; get the macro fundamentals right, with The Nachtigal will be owned and operated by NHPC (Nachtigal Hydro authorities needing to commit to macroeconomic and fiscal discipline; Power Company), owned by EDF, IFC and the Republic of Cameroon. reduce debt and manage public investment, which includes better The project is lining up considerable support in addition to the World management of state-owned enterprises and public investment; improve Bank. In November, both the Africa Finance Corp. (AFC) and the efficiency in the education sector, with a direct funding mechanism; European Investment Bank (EIB) lent their support. The AFC said the spend more and spend better in health, with the government needing financing structure will take a 76:24 debt to equity ratio, with AFC to rebalance the distribution of health resources; strengthen social providing €50 million in debt and an additional 18-year interest rate protection and safety net system, by altering the composition of swap of up to €75 million. expenditures to develop social assistance. Further, the AFC said, “This investment into Cameroon’s power sector The Renewables Industry comes following consistent growth in the demand for electricity across Like many African countries, Cameroon is struggling to meet energy the country for both domestic and industrial use. For example, during demand and its rural population is greatly under electrified. The country the 2012 - 2016 period, demand grew at a Compound Annual Growth aims to increase its power generation capacity and is looking to Rate of 7.6%, from 4.2 TWh to 5.7 TWh in the grid to which Nachtigal renewable energy resources to do so. Increasing energy access is a will connect. Currently, demand in the grid to which Nachtigal will be governmental priority. connected is expected to more than double from 5.7 TWh in 2016 to above 13 TWh by 2030.” In January, Minister of Water Resources and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba announced the Ministry’s 2019 action plan to scale-up the The EIB will provide a €50 million long term project finance loan to production and distribution of both water and energy. Many of the Nachtigal Hydro Power Co. under the Impact Financing Envelope of programs under the energy side of the action plan will be undertaken the ACP Cotonou Investment Facility. Under a public-private partnership by the National Electricity Transportation Corporation (SONATREL). (PPP), EIB will co-finance alongside a large group of lenders including Development partners will also work together on new projects in the 10 other development finance institutions and four local commercial West African country. banks, coordinated by IFC. The remaining debt will come from development institutions including, but not limited to, AFD, AfDB, Hydropower CDC, EAIF, and OFID. At present, the vast majority of Cameroon’s renewable energy generation capacity comes from hydropower. It currently generates approximately Besix Group was awarded the contract for the design and construction 723 MW, coming from the Song Loulou and Edea dams on the Sanaga of the Nachtigal hydroelectric plant last August. According to Besix, River, and the Lagdo dam on the Benur River. According to the World the works that will be carried out in partnership with the French Bank, Cameroon has the third largest hydropower development potential company NGE (New generations of entrepreneurs, earthworks leader in sub-Saharan Africa, estimated at over 12,000 MW. All that is needed in France) and the Moroccan SGTM (Société Générale des Travaux is a whole lot of investment. Putting in place an attractive regulatory du Maroc), were to start before the end of 2018, and would last 57

19 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Africa Spotlight

months in total. In February, GE Renewable Energy was awarded an $87-million contract by NHPC to provide seven 60 MW Francis turbines for the new hydropower plant.

Kpep Another significant hydropower project on the books for Cameroon is the Kpep. Joule Africa in February 2017 entered into a partnership with the Government of the Republic of Cameroon to develop the extensive hydroelectric power potential on the Katsina Ala River in the northwest region of the country. The area around the Katsina Ala River is among the least developed in Cameroon. The Kpep Hydropower project is the initial site to be developed as part of a cascade of five sites on the Katsina Ala River.

Project Elan site Source: Sturdee Energy Élan Solar will be one of Cameroon’s first renewable energy IPPs and it is anticipated that the project will pave the way for future utility- scale solar initiatives in Cameroon. The project is working closely with the government to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks which will facilitate private sector involvement in future renewable energy projects.

Under the terms of the agreement signed between InfraCo and the plant’s developers, the UK firm will provide its expertise in solar power on the grid to support the construction of the project. It is expected Source: Lahmeyer International Planning for Kpep hydropower that the construction of the plant will be completed and connected to As part of the agreement, Joule Africa will undertake comprehensive the national electricity grid in 2021. feasibility studies to build on the pre-feasibility study it commissioned in 2012, which highlighted the potential for creating 485 MW of Small-scale, off-grid solar is also gaining steam in Cameroon’s rural installed capacity. communities where electrification is only estimated at 17%, especially where there is no access to the national grid. President Biya is making According to Joule Africa’s project statement on its website, the full renewable energy a priority under Cameroon’s Vision 2035 development feasibility studies, starting in early 2019, were to include topographical plan. The government now aims to reach 1,000 communities with solar surveys, geotechnical investigation works, preliminary engineering power by the end of 2020. design and a full internationally-compliant environmental and social impact assessment. It is estimated that the feasibility study will take There are also a number of Pay-as-you-Go providers trying to make two years and that the plant will be commissioned in 2025. in-roads into Cameroon, but progress has been slow and not taken off as the popular system has in neighboring sub-Saharan countries. Solar Most of the planned projects to add to the country’s power generation Preparing for the Future capacity revolve around hydropower, but there are plans to also tap Despite hydro being the main game in Cameroon, the development of into its solar potential. solar and other renewable sources is expected to gain momentum in the coming years. The Ministry of Youth and Civic Education in In December 2018, the UK’s InfraCo Africa, a subsidiary of the Private Cameroon plans to train 450 young people in the use of solar photovoltaic Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), announced it would be co- energy. The two-week training course aims to provide learners with developing the 50-MWAC solar photovoltaic Project – Élan Solar tools that will enable them to create businesses to offer energy solutions (Élan Solar) – with sponsors, GSC Energy and Sturdee Energy who to the population. pioneered the groundwork for a solar project in Cameroon. Expected to be built in a single phase, it is anticipated that the plant will The objective of this course was to equip a group of young people begin delivering much-needed power to the country’s Northern to find solutions to energy problems in their respective localities. Interconnected Grid in 2021. The plant will be built in the The organizers hope that at the end of the training, the winners Garoua region, aligning with the GoC’s wider efforts to develop will be able to set up local photovoltaic solar energy northern Cameroon. production companies.

20 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019

Africa Spotlight

President: President Abdelfattah El Sisi (since June 2014) Independence: February 1922 (from UK protectorate status) Population: 99,413,317(July 2018 est.) GDP (purchasing power parity): UN photo # 603012 $1.204 trillion (2018 est.) Abdel Fattah El Sisi GDP - real growth rate: 4.4% (2018 est.) GDP - per capita (PPP): $12,700 (2018 est.) Electricity – Installed generation capacity: 45.12 million kW (2016 est.) Electricity – from Hydroelectric: 6% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Electricity – from other renewable sources: 2% of total installed capacity (2017 est.) Source: CIA FactBook Source: Scatec Solar Scatecs facilty at BenBanEGYPT EGYPTsolar park

Politics & Economy elections would be held during H1 2019 after the local administrative Known for its pyramids and ancient civilization, the Land of the draft law is passed by the Parliament; however, other officials have Pharaohs, Egypt, has played a central role in the politics of the tagged elections to take place closer to the end of 2019. greater Middle East over modern times. The country’s population has burgeoned over the past two decades and is now estimated at Egypt has been struggling economically for much of the last decade, well over 90 million citizens, and growing. although 2018 was much better than in previous years and is expected to improve even more in the coming year. The improvement Egypt’s political arena is a complicated issue to say the least, in the economy can be partly attributed to the recovery in domestic although since General Abdul Fattah el Sisi took control from the demand, particularly private consumption. This is forecast to Muslim Brotherhood several years ago through a ‘bloodless coup,’ sustain Egypt’s economic growth at 5.2% in 2019, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects a modicum of calm has been seen. The country is still a bubbling (WESP) 2019 report. cauldron of unrest in some areas, however. The political issues and anxieties over the future have generated ongoing protests, labor While the WESP report notes that external demand drove the strikes, mistrust between Islamist and secular parties, and Muslim- Egyptian economy’s growth rate in 2018, and it is forecast to stay Christian tensions in some parts of the country. Despite these issues, mostly favorable, it also warns that structural vulnerabilities, Egypt is still a prime destination for investment and one of the including weak fiscal and balance of payment positions, are projected safest countries in the region. to weigh on growth prospects.

The country hosted presidential elections over three days in March Headline inflation slowed to an annual 13.5% in 2018. President el-Sisi, faced off against relative political unknown July 2018 from a record high of 33% the previous Moussa Mostafa Moussa. The election was little more than a year formality extending el-Sisi’s presidential mandate another five years. This year the country is expected to host “local” elections Core inflation fell to single digits for the first time in Q4; if they take place, they will be the first in a decade. The in more than two years. local elections have been witnessing a significant delay after Foreign exchange reserves continued to improve municipal councils were dissolved eight years ago. Parliamentary and reached $44.3 billion by end-July 2018. spokesman Salah Hassaballah told reporters last year that the local

22 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 The reforms that the government began instituting in 2014 set the With plenty of wind and solar potential, along with a huge human stage for balanced and inclusive growth. Its bold reform program resource pool to put to work in the sector, Egypt is well positioned was aimed at spurring the economy and enhancing the country’s to take advantage of its clean, sustainable natural resource potential business environment. Egypt’s first wave of reforms were focused and leave more of its oil and gas resources for export sales to on rebalancing the macroeconomy, including passage of the VAT rebuild its economy. Law, reducing energy subsides, containing the wage bill, and the liberalization of the Egyptian pound. The second wave of reforms The country has many would-be investors lined up, both from the focused on improved governance and the investment climate, public sector and private sector. The International Finance Corp., including the Civil Service Reform Law passed in October 2016, the World Bank’s lending arm, is set to contribute $1 billion in and policies to remove investment barriers and attract local and funding to Egypt, with 70% of that amount slated for the country’s foreign investments. renewable energy initiative. Siemens Gamesa, over the next seven years, plans to spend about $2 billion in the construction of wind These reforms along with the gradual restoration of confidence farms in Egypt. These are just two of many major investments and stability have begun to yield positive results. In fiscal year lined up for the country in the coming years. (FY) 2018, real GDP grew at 5.3%, compared to 4.2% in FY17. The economic pickup is driven by public investments, private The “Renewable Energy Outlook: Egypt” released by IRENA in consumption, and exports of goods and services (such as oil and October 2018, stated that Egypt could produce up to 53% of its tourism); and dynamism is seen in the tourism, gas, ICT/telecom electricity from renewable resources by 2020. “If the government and construction sectors. According to the World Bank, Egypt’s can make that switch it would save itself up to $900 million a year,” inflation continued to ease, despite upward pressure from decreased according to the IRENA report. subsidies and subsequent increases in energy costs and transport fares. Headline inflation slowed to an annual 13.5% in July 2018 The government will need to increase annual investment in the from a record high of 33% the previous year. Similarly, core inflation renewable sector from the current $2.5 billion to $6.5 billion if it fell to single digits for the first time in more than two years. Foreign is going to achieve these targets, according to IRENA’s findings. exchange reserves continued to improve and reached $44.3 billion The government is currently aiming to produce 42% of its energy by end-July 2018. from renewables by 2035.

“This analysis offers the Egyptian energy sector a roadmap, building The government has scaled up key social protection short-term on current ambitions and plans, to enhance our position as an energy mitigating measures, including through higher allocations of food hub connecting Europe, Asia and Africa,” said Egyptian Minister smart cards and targeted conditional and unconditional cash transfer of Electricity Mohamed Shaker, commenting on the IRENA programs to alleviate the adverse effects of the economic reforms report’s findings. on the poor and vulnerable. The measures were also aimed at increasing investments in the country’s human capital. To effectively integrate human development in the social protection measures, Wind the conditionality of the cash transfer programs is related to health Egypt has grand plans for its wind industry, already one of the and education. The country’s social protection measures are shifting earliest wind energy producers in the continent and at one time from generalized energy and food subsidies to more poverty and holding the largest wind farm in Africa. Egypt’s production from human development targeted programs. wind farms across Gabal Zeit and Zaafarana rose to 1,000 MW last year, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Renewables & Alternatives Renewable Energy. Electricity demand in Egypt has increased rapidly along with its A number of new wind farms have been announced for the Gulf growing population and increasing industrial activity. It’s estimated of Suez, but it is not clear if all will materialize. One wind farm that an additional 1.5 GW of new capacity will be needed each that does appear concrete is being undertaken by Lekela Power. year – that’s a 6% increase year over year until 2022. After a The company announced in February that it had signed a power somewhat stagnant decade or so, to support this increasing demand purchase agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity without blackouts, Egypt made plans to burst back into the renewable Transmission Company (EETC) for its 250-MW wind farm project. energy scene a few years back, and to date, is making solid progress. Already possessing a variety of world-class projects, the North African country looks to out-do itself over the coming decade. The country is an experienced producer of solar and wind energy, but only 3% of its power generation currently comes from renewable sources.

Adnan Z. Amin, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, perhaps summed up Egypt’s current situation best in October 2018; “Egypt’s renewable energy potential is vast and the government has now moved decisively to accelerate

its deployment.” PPA Signing Source: Lekela Power

14 23 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 March/April 2019 Africa Spotlight

Located 30 kms north-west of Ras Ghareb, the project is part of Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taipei, China and the the government’s Build, Own, Operate (BOO) scheme. Once United Kingdom under the SEMED Multi-Donor Account, and the constructed, it will increase Egypt’s wind energy capacity by 14%. Green Climate Fund. The project will produce more than 1,000 GWh per year, powering the equivalent of over 350,000 homes in Egypt. Moving forward, Egyptian authorities inaugurated the first of many power stations at the Benban solar complex, having The total investment for the project is estimated at $325 million entered into the operational phase in December 2017. The and leading development finance institutions have been mandated production unit with a capacity of 64 MW was set up by the to provide financing; the Japan Bank for International Cooperation German company Ib Vogt GmbH, in collaboration with Egyptian has already agreed to partly fund the project. The funding is expected Solar Systems. to be mobilized by the end of 2019. The plant should supply its first megawatts to the power grid by 2021. Lekela anticipates According to Amine el-Edghiri, the project manager, the plant acquiring the land and reaching financial close by August. has 200,000 solar panels and 780 solar trackers that allow the Construction of the wind farm is expected to begin immediately panels to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. The after this phase and is expected to be operational in 2021. approximate 95-hectares of facilities will produce the equivalent of the consumption of 20,000 households. Also in February, Egypt’s New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) revealed that three international companies had submitted Early April 2019, Scatec Solar and partners grid connected and offers for NREA’s call for tenders for a Gulf of Suez wind farm. reached commercial operation for 65 MW of their 400 MW Benban Companies sending in bids for the wind farm include Siemens project. The Benban solar power plant is Scatec Solar’s largest Gamesa, Vestas, and Senvion. project under construction, and the company is the largest contributor to the 1.5-GW Benban site. It was reported in late 2018 that Siemens Gamesa, over the next seven years, plans to spend about $2 billion in the construction of In April 2017, Scatec Solar, with its partners KLP Norfund wind farms in Egypt. Ayman Saad, the company's executive director, and Africa 50 signed a 25-year told the Daily News Egypt that his firm has received the land for PPA with the government for the installation of a 180-MW Ras Ghareb plant and a 650-MW We have been a pioneer delivery of electricity from six Gulf of Suez plant. Negotiations were said to be ongoing to also in Egypt since 2013 and solar plants, equal in size, put in place about 2,000 MW of wind farms in total. totaling 400 MW. The have worked closely estimated annual 870 GWh of ACWA Power and EETC in October announced that they expected with the Government to electricity produced from to sign a PPA for a 500 MW wind farm. No further updates have Scatec Solar’s plants in Benban support implementation since materialized. The project, if it proceeds, is to also be built in will avoid about 350,000 tons the Gulf of Suez at an estimated cost of $500 million.The farm of large-scale solar to of CO emissions per year and would be constructed by ACWA under a build, own and operate 2 provide energy for more than increase the country’s agreement.The energy that will be generated by the plant would 420,000 households in Egypt. share of renewable be transferred to the national power grid at a cost of 3.12 cents per Scatec Solar expects to have kilowatt hour. The proposed plant is part of ACWA’s ambitions to completed all six power plants energy. Grid connecting establish approximately 2,250 MW of power plants in the country during H2 2019. our first solar power at an estimated cost of $2.3 billion in Egypt. plant marks a major Also in 2019, Acciona Energía Solar and Enara Bahrain SpvWll milestone for us. This The country was not kidding when it said it was going big on solar. (ENARA), the renewable is also our first power The Benban Solar Park will cover around 37 sq km of desert with energy platform of the Saudi solar panels in 2019, providing around 1.8 GW of electricity to the company Swicorp, completed plant with bi-facial Egyptian grid. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction the assembly of three solar PV solar panels, capturing and Development (ERBD), the park is set to produce 20% of the plants at the Benban complex country’s electricity that will be generated from renewable resources with a maximum capacity of the sun from both sides by 2022 and at least 35% by 2030. 186 MWp (150 MW rated). of the panels to increase The facilities, which will be the total clean energy Benban solar park will become the largest renewable energy project 50% owned by both companies in Africa, and the world, and is expected to turn Upper Egypt (in when they enter service, generation. the southern part of the country) “into a source of renewables as represent an investment of vital as the river nearby,” EBRD said. around $180 million. The three Raymond Carlsen, projects in Benban come under CEO of Scatec Solar The EBRD’s work at Benban is supported by donors including the the feed-in tariff system European Union as well as Australia, Finland, France, Germany, established by the government

1424 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Solar Park scheme. The project is financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) –and aims at providing Egypt with the clean energy it needs to drive growth and fight poverty.

Other Resources Geothermal energy is next on Egypt’s list to add to its energy mix. The country’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy’s First Undersecretary for Research, Planning, Authorities’ Follow-up and Source: Acciona Source: Partial view of one of the three PV plants developed International Cooperation, Mohamed Omran, said the Ministry is by Acciona and Swicorp in Benban preparing a geothermal energy map in Egypt. in its Round 2 call for tender. Overall, the Acciona PV plants will produce clean energy equivalent to the consumption of “We know we are a little bit late in terms of activating around 150,000 Egyptian homes and avoid the emission of geothermal energy,” Omran noted, adding “we would like to identify 297,000 tons of CO2 per annum from fuel-oil power plants. The the areas that possibly enjoy geothermal energy, with close power generated will be supplied to EETC under a 25-year collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral PPA contract. Resources.”

Earlier, in January 2018, Lahmeyer International (now Tractebel) Another alternative for Egypt is Nuclear power. GE Power started a photovoltaics (PV) project as owner’s engineer for Alcazar announced in October that it had won the contract to deliver the Energy, a Dubai-based independent developer of renewable energy turbine island equipment for the El Dabaa nuclear power facilities. The project includes the construction of four 50-MW plant project in Egypt through AAEM, its joint venture with solar PV plants within the Benban Solar Park. Atomenergomash. GE Power will supply the basic design of four conventional islands, supply four nuclear turbine generator The finalized facilities will add 200 MW to the solar park in Egypt’s sets, including the Arabelle half-speed steam turbines, and Western Desert, which has a planned total capacity of 1,650 MW, provide technical expertise for the on-site installation and thus representing the biggest solar installation worldwide. The commissioning. construction of Alcazar’s four solar plants commenced in March 2018 and were expected to be complete in H1 2019. According to GE, the El Dabaa nuclear power plant will help deliver on Egypt’s plan to grow its power generation capacity by For the planning and construction of its largest project, Alcazar stabilizing the Egyptian grid with dependable, CO2 free energy Energy is relying on Lahmeyer’s expertise in photovoltaics and in and having a predictable low cost of electricity. Once in operation, owner’s engineering services. The four photovoltaic plants of a El Dabaa will produce 4.8 GW – enough to power up more than capacity of 50 MW each will be embedded in the larger Benban four million homes in Egypt.

Image courtesy of GE Power

14 25 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 March/April 2019 Feature

Corporate Update

Power Systems Help Rolls-Royce Achieve Positive Business Performance

New technologies and hybrid solutions are growing the bottom line

olls-Royce’s Power Systems division put in another Resources Officer at Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. At the same R excellent performance in 2018, with adjusted revenue time, the organization and structures have been moulded to current up 15% to a record GBP 3.5 billion or EUR 3.9 billion requirements and aligned steadily to the needs of customers. (2017: GBP 3.0 billion / EUR 3.4 billion), and adjusted profit climbing to GBP 317 million (EUR 358 million), equivalent to an “This has not only produced favorable results in 2018, but has also adjusted return on sales of 9.1 %. created a robust, forward-looking corporate structure for the longer term, which we will be using to implement the PS 2030 strategy,” “Not only did we benefit from strong demand for our products due Wassenberg continued. to the favorable state of the global economy, we are now also reaping the rewards of our hard work on the transformational Unswerving implementation of PS 2030 change program which has made us significantly more profitable,” The company is looking to leverage its 2018 successes as it presses said Andreas Schell, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG and ahead with the new PS 2030 strategy, transforming itself from an Head of the Power Systems Division, at the presentation of annual engine manufacturer to a supplier of integrated solutions. results for 2018. “Our streamlined, updated product and service portfolio is being very well received by customers.” “2018 is proof-positive that we are on the right track with the move to hybrids and electrical drive components, with gas engines and Of the three divisions that make up Britain’s Rolls-Royce plc, with digitalization, adding new technologies to our portfolio,” said Power Systems is the number two revenue earner. The Power Andreas Schell. At the rail industry trade fair Innotrans, for example, Systems order book of GBP 3.1 billion (EUR 3.6 billion) at the we signed memoranda of understanding with several international end of 2018 was 28 % above previous year. customers for hundreds of Hybrid PowerPacks sold under the core MTU brand. All segments contributing well Each of the division’s business segments reported good sales figures, Partnering with success some extremely good. Marine sales were 12% ahead, with sales Another element of the PS 2030 strategy is to expand together of Industrial drive systems up a full 40%. Powergen revenue grew with partners in a way that would scarcely be possible acting by 5%, making it the only segment with a lower rate of growth alone. “We are increasingly entering into partnerships – in than in 2017, a year that saw unusually high increases. different geographies and on different issues. Our intention is to grow with our partners,” said Schell. This includes joint Subsidiary Bergen Engines in Norway has turned the corner and ventures with partners in China and India to build engines and is now also a successful player in the stationary power generation generator sets, and also with an eye to tapping into new markets. market. For the first time, it produced more engines for power Other partnerships are helping Power Systems make the generation applications than for ship propulsion. transition to being a solution provider, for example the company’s acquisition of a strategic stake in Berlin start-up Qinous, which Demand for nuclear power remains high. With its range of small focuses on energy storage and control solutions, the key modular reactors, Civil Nuclear has a solution promising long-term technologies used in microgrids. export potential following its launch in the UK. Microgrids: integrated energy solution Transformation forms solid base Another total solution for customers are microgrids. These “With our RRPS 2018 transformational change program, we have autonomous electricity grids intelligently pull together a variety of fundamentally revamped the division’s cost structure, for example conventional and renewable energy sources in a single network, by eliminating a good quarter of product variants at a stroke,” said providing power supplies to stand-alone installations such as mining Marcus A. Wassenberg, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human operations or data centers. The company is presently building a

26 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Source: Rolls Royce CEO Andreas Schell and CFO Marcus A. An essential element in decentral energy distribution – Wassenberg presenting excellent figures for 2018 the newly developed MTU battery container validation center in Friedrichshafen for entire turnkey systems around 300 MTU PowerPacks in Hitachi express trains in the which the company plans to offer major industrial customers and United Kingdom. Leveraging off what are now a total of five other large-scale consumers. Power generated by combustion Customer Care Centers around the world, Rolls-Royce Power engines remains an important element of this. “The engine will Systems is continuously growing its digital service offering to always be one of our core competencies. But it is increasingly customers. becoming one part of a total solution,” said Schell. The newly developed battery container, another integral part of a microgrid, Digital Solutions is managing projects such as “Service of the is more than a new product in the MTU family – it is also a symbol Future” and the “Digital Twin” program, in which a virtual image of the company’s renewal. of a real engine is created and constantly updated with operating data in order, for example, to be able to predict maintenance needs Smart service solutions more efficiently and more accurately. As a solution provider, Rolls-Royce Power Systems also intends to step up its activities in the operation of sophisticated power Partnering with success delivery and power generation systems. “Service will continue to The new strategy is set to bring about lasting change in the division, gain importance. Over a third of revenue currently comes from including the new career streams and job activities on offer. “We maintenance, spare parts and services – and that figure is rising,” need to prepare our employees on the challenges of digitalization said Schell. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is working on a new range and electrification. In future jobs at Rolls-Royce Power Systems of digital service products, using state-of-the-art technology to will be more modern, more flexible and more digitized. This year, capture, transmit and analyze key operating data. Founded in Spring around 100 existing engine developers are to be retrained as 2017, the company’s Digital Solutions unit has launched a number electrical specialists. Additionally, we will offer new vocational of digital products such as the MTU Go!Act smartphone app and trainings with focus on information technology,” says Marcus A. the MTU Go!Manage web application, and has currently networked Wassenberg, also being Chief Human Resources Officer.

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The African Development Bank Pledges $25 Billion to Climate Finance

Bank to launch ‘Green Baseload’ Facility to provide concessional finance to support reliable and affordable renewable energy baseload; “Desert to Power” initiative enters implementation stage with Yeleen Project in Burkina Faso.

he African Development Bank (AfDB) will double its technologies,” Adesina said. “We have to be proactive in exploring T climate finance commitments for the period 2020-2025, alternatives. We will therefore be launching the ‘green baseload’ the Bank’s President announced at the One Planet Summit facility under the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA 2.0) that took place in Nairobi reently. Akinwumi A. Adesina said that to provide concessional finance and technical assistance to support the Bank would commit at least $25 billion towards climate finance. the penetration and scale-up of renewable energy, to provide affordable and reliable renewable energy baseload.” Speaking at a plenary in the presence of Heads of State, including President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, and French President Emmanuel Several donors, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Macron, Adesina also announced the Bank is on course to achieve Italy, the UK and the US have indicated their interest in this its target of allocating 40% of its transformative instrument, which will also help to replace coal. funding to climate finance by The African Development Bank has played a critical role in building 2020, a year ahead. The AfDB’s Africa’s clean energy capacities. The AfDB’s last investment in a commitment on the target, the coal project was 10 years ago. Additionally, and in line with its highest among all multilateral ambitious New Deal on Energy for Africa, 95% of all Bank development banks, has investments in power generation over the 2016-18 period have progressed steadily from 9% been in renewables. in 2016 to 28% in 2017 and 32% Images courtesy of AfDB Images courtesy of Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina in 2018.

We have to be proactive in exploring alternatives Considering Africa’s high vulnerability despite contributing the least to climate change, the African Development Bank has successfully raised its adaptation finance from less than 30% of total climate finance to parity with mitigation in 2018. The African Development Bank will continue this trend into the future.

“The required level of financing is only feasible with the direct The “Desert to Power” program, a $10-billion initiative to build involvement of the entire financial sector,” said Adesina. a 10-GW solar zone across the Sahel – the largest in the world – “Consequently, the Bank launched the African Financial Alliance would provide electricity for 250 million people. Together with for Climate Change (AFAC) to link all stock exchanges, pension partners such as the Green Climate Fund and the EU, the Bank has and sovereign wealth funds, central Banks and other financial now financed the first project under this Initiative: The Yeleen institutions of Africa to mobilize and incentivize the shift of their Rural Electrification Project in Burkina Faso. portfolios towards low carbon and climate resilient investments.” Key Bank projects include the co-financing of the 510-MW The Bank made another milestone announcement. “It is not good Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco, one of the largest solar enough to simply ask countries to stay away from polluting complexes in the world.

28 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Alternative Focus

meeco Develops Clean Energy Products for Tourism Sector in Africa Project development and financing model sun2share introduced in Botswana

he tourism sector is one of the largest industries worldwide T and at the same time one of the fastest growing. In 2017, the travel and tourism industry accounted for 10.4% of the global GDP. Especially in developing nations in Africa, this sector is a major economic driver. In Botswana, it is the largest private sector employer and contributes over 6% to the national GDP – a number, which is set to grow substantially. However, the expansion of tourism, namely in off-grid areas, has potentially a considerable negative impact on the environment and climate. Taking into consideration this impact and aiming to establish a sustainable travel and tourism industry, meeco has introduced its

clean energy project development and financing model ‘sun2share’ Source: The meeco Group together with the Botswana Tourism Organization. This project interest has been resounding, and we have secured projects in development, execution and financing model enables customers Kenya for safari companies and been asked to introduce it in other to share the investment in their project with meeco and thereby African nations like Namibia and Zimbabwe to name just a few.” benefit from a reputable clean energy partner with longstanding experience in the field of implementing renewable energy solutions To further promote sun2share, meeco and Botswana Tourism are around the globe. currently in the development phase of several clean energy projects. As Botswana has an outstanding wildlife diversity including two The cooperation of the National Tourism Organization and meeco UNESCO World Heritage sites, it represents a popular tourist as an international clean energy provider is based on the Sustainable destination and hosts the most exclusive Safari lodges and camps Development Goal 17 (SDG17), which emphasizes the importance in Africa. For these locations and their guests, a reliable clean of globally working together in order to achieve the ambitious power supply is essential. The sun2share business model ensures goals of the 2030 Agenda, especially SDG7 (affordable and clean a sustainable and consistent energy generation based on a joint energy) and SDG13 (climate action). The jointly launched renewable project funding using only tier one equipment. This innovative energy model sun2share was presented at the Global Sustainable clean energy approach enables safari lodges to significantly reduce Tourism Conference 2018 from December 7-10, 2018 in Maun, their unsustainable dependence on the use of diesel generators and Botswana. “sun2share completely changes the way the tourism act as pioneers in terms of taking a step towards contributing to sector purchases its clean energy service, with support sustainable tourism in Africa. for the CAPEX costs and About The meeco Group promising savings The meeco Group was consolidated in 2000 and oriented its from day one,” main focus towards the energy sector. With world headquarters explains Sebastian located in Zug, Switzerland, the group currently has over 86 Bovensiepen, employees working across four continents. Thanks to a structured CEO of The but flexible approach based on its core competencies, The meeco Group. meeco Group has delivered over 442 MWp of clean, renewable “Since we energy solutions across four continents. The meeco Group launched the clean accomplishes its mission by providing project developers, investors, energy financing governments, and private businesses with the services necessary model in for timely financing, installation, and operation of Source: The meeco Group Sebastian Bovensiepen Botswana, the clean energy assets.

29 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 African Politics View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

Bouteflika Will Resign with organizations that include the African rejected the claim. The tribunal has 180 days For the first time since 1999, Abdelaziz Union and Comesa, among others. from the date of filing to issue its ruling. Bouteflika’s name will not be on the ballot for Algeria’s presidential elections. The president’s Cameroon: New Attacks UN and AU Leaders Give Merits to office announced that he would not be seeking on Civilians by Troops, Separatists Joint Development Mechanism for Africa re-election. The Algerian state news agency, According to Human Rights Watch, The UN’s Regional Coordination Mechanism APS, later reported that the beleaguered government forces in Cameroon’s Anglophone to support the African Union and its programs President would resign before his mandate ends regions have killed scores of civilians, used (RCM-Africa) is all about upscaling efforts to on April 28. Bouteflika had been under siege indiscriminate force, and torched hundreds of get needed sustainable development results for for more than a month with mass protests and homes over the past six months. Human Rights the continent, leading figures from the UN army pressure to end his two-decade long reign. Watch said, “Armed separatists have assaulted system and the African Union have told media and kidnapped dozens of people during the practitioners. Earlier, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah, same period, executing at least two men, Algeria’s army chief of staff, called for amid intensifying violence and growing calls At a press conference on the side-lines of the President Bouteflika to be declared unfit for for secession of the North-West and 52nd Session of ECA and the 20th Session of office. Salah, addressing army officers in a South-West region.” RCM-Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General speech – Amina J. Mohammed; ECA’s Executive broadcast on The NGO statement went on to say that Secretary – Vera Songwe; and the African state TV, violence has intensified since October 2018 as Union’s Commissioner for Human Resources, called for a government forces have conducted large-scale Science and Technology – Sarah Anyang Agbor united stand security operations and separatists have carried spelled out the merits of this AU-UN synergy in an effort to out attacks. Cameroon’s government should in the light of dovetailing the UN’s mandates defuse investigate allegations of human rights of peace and security with sustainable tensions in violations and ensure that civilians are protected development. Source: UN Bouteflika has rarely been seen the country. during security operations. Separatist leaders in public since his 2013 stroke should immediately direct their fighters and Ms. Mohammed said in the current context of APS said Bouteflika would take important followers to halt all human rights abuses and addressing member States’ challenges and decisions to ensure “continuity of the state’s to stop interfering with children’s education. opportunities, RCM-Africa strove to capitalize institutions” before stepping down. It did not on the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable spell out a date for his departure or give more “Cameroon’s authorities have an obligation to development to support the seven important details immediately.Under Algeria’s respond lawfully and to protect people’s rights aspirations of the of the African Union’s Agenda constitution, Abdelkader Bensalah, chairman during periods of violence,” said Lewis Mudge, 2063. “It is about how we can together leverage of the upper house of parliament, would take Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch. what governments should be doing to provide over as caretaker president for 90 days until “The government’s heavy-handed response services, draft-in their citizens as inclusive part elections are held. targeting civilians is counterproductive and of their agendas but also how we can leverage risks igniting more violence.” resources to enhance trade and foreign direct Protesters and most opposition parties rejected investment flowing into the continent to move a new caretaker cabinet appointed by Bouteflika Since October, at least 170 civilians have been forward with that agenda,” she said. on March 31, saying the prime minister was killed in over 220 incidents in the North-West too close to ruling circles. and South-West regions, according to media “Practically, RCM Africa is about the UN reports and Human Rights Watch research. working with the African Union to try to get Upon hearing the news of Bouteflika’s pending Given the ongoing clashes and the difficulty the 47% of people of the continent still under resignation, widespread celebrations across the of collecting information from remote poverty line out of their situation, bring energy country were held in the streets. areas, the number of civilian deaths is most to the doorsteps of 500 million people without likely higher. electricity and garner the $60 billion needed Comoros Elections “Highly Irregular” to empower African women,” Ms. Songwe told The electoral oversight body of the Comoros Nigeria Election Challenge Filed, Again the press. declared incumbent President Azali Assoumani February presidential elections that pitted sitting winner of the country’s March presidential president Muhammadu Buhari against primary She said it was meant to address the plight of elections with 60.8% of the vote. Ahamada opponent, former Vice President Atiku the 23 million people – a number which equates Mahamoudou was the runner up out of 12 Abubakar, are still being questioned for their to the population of Cote d’Ivoire – who are opposition candidates; he received 14.6% of legitimacy. According to the Independent refugees, migrants or internally displaced in the ballot total. National Electoral Commission (INEC), Buhari Africa, a major area of focus for both the AU received 15.2 million votes (56%), against Commission and the Mechanism, this year. As Assoumani won with over 50% of the vote, Atiku’s 11.3 million (41%). “The Africa we want is within sight,” Ms. a run-off election will not be held, according Songwe enthused, stating that RCM-Africa to the law of the island nation, despite On March 18 Abubakar filed a petition with was about efficiency and coordinated effort of international observer bodies alleging the voting the presidential election tribunal, challenging over 20 UN agencies to mobilize and deploy process was highly irregular and lacked the results in court due to “irregularities.” the $680 billion dollars needed to deliver on credibility or transparency. The observers were President Buhari and his party immediately the Sustainable Development Goals.

30 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019

Corporate

AfDB Director Nominated as one of the “The current rate of electrification severely transforming people’s lives through the 100 Most Influential People in Climate limits the country’s competitiveness and provision of affordable, reliable and clean Policy 2019 disproportionately affects rural areas, the poor energy, as well as other modern utilities and The African Development Bank announced and female-headed households,” the financial value-added services that these people demand the nomination of Professor Anthony Nyong, institution said in a statement. The financing but have never had available. Director for Climate Change and Green will be used more specifically, to extend the Growth, as one of the national electricity grid to the outskirts of major This is the final round of six, €1 million targets ‘100 Most Influential cities and to densify the network. that took place over the last 12 months. Trine People in Climate and BBOXX launched the first of these six Policy 2019’ by 1.7 million people are expected to benefit from funding rounds in February 2018 and reached Apolitical, a peer-to- this project, including 10,000 companies and their first €1 million target one month later in peer learning 750 health centers. Achieving this goal will be record time. Repayments from the loans have platform for possible with advanced planning tools and also started to go out to investors in the first

Source: AfDB Source: low-cost technologies to maximize the number rounds of these loans to BBOXX – with Professor governments. Anthony Nyong of new connections to the dollar spent, the expected nominal interest rates of 6.75% on Nyong, a pioneering and globally recognized institution said. investments up to €1,000, a bonus rate of climate change expert, was named among the 8.75% on investments of €1,000 or more, and top 20 on the prestigious listing announced The project will also help households in remote a bonus rate of 11% on investments of March 20 in London. areas to access domestic solar installations at €50,000 or more. a lower cost. Professor Nyong joined the Bank in 2008 and OrPower4 Reaches Milestones in Kenya built up the Bank’s climate change initiatives Mali’s EDM Director General Resigns OrPower4, the independent geothermal power including its Green Growth Agenda. Prior to Mali’s director general of Energy of Mali producer operating in Kenya, earned $113 joining the Bank, he worked as a Senior (EDM), Amadou Diarra, resigned from his million in 2018 for power generation transferred Program Specialist for Climate Change at the post. Diarra had only held the post since to the grid. The US company is currently the International Development Research Centre November 2018. A former banker, he was put only independent energy company operating in Nairobi. In this role, Nyong successfully in charge of the country’s state-run utility to in the country. mobilized substantial resources to set up the aid in the process of clearing the debts the firm Climate Change Adaptation in Africa program had amounted. that has significantly built adaptation capacity across the continent. Prior to that, he was a When Diarra was hired EDM had debt Coordinating Lead Author of the Fourth amounting to $516 million, and that amount Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental was expected to increase by about $344 million Panel on Climate Change and was a Co- at the end of the fiscal year of 2018. Recipient of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for Source: Wikipedia Bbossoxx Wikipedia Source: his contributions. Mr. Nyong also served as a His decision to resign followed the appointment Creative Commons Professor of Climate Change at the University of Sambou Wafue to the post of Board of It operates units 1 to 9 of the Olkaria 3 of Jos, Nigeria. Directors. Diarra said that Wague’s appointment geothermal power plant, which represents a violates article 58 of the Malian Constitution, total capacity of 139 MW, or 20% of the The list was compiled from hundreds of which establishes an incompatibility between geothermal capacity installed in the country. nominations from governments, international the functions of the administrator of Public The remaining 80% of geothermal power plants organizations and academia, including the Establishment and the Minister. are operated by KenGen, the national power UNDP, Harvard, Oxford, Bloomberg, and the generation company. Climate Action Network. BBOXX/Trine Crowdfunding Initiative Reaches New Milestone Kenya Power, Kenya’s power distribution “It is an honor to be acknowledged among The BBOXX and Trine funding initiative has company, said its purchases from OrPower4 such an influential list of leaders who are hit the €6 million mark – in what is the largest reached a record 1,185 GWh over the past passionate and actively working to influence crowd-funded debt raise in the history of solar year, with a bill of 11.3 billion shillings policy and make a tangible difference towards energy in Africa. The pioneering collaboration ($113 million). A turnover that ranks the US addressing global climate change,” said Nyong. between Trine and BBOXX will accelerate company as the second largest electricity BBOXX’s installation of pay-as-you-go solar supplier in Kenya after KenGen, sold World Bank home systems in Kenya, Rwanda, Togo, the 37 billion shillings ($370 million) of electricity Funds Madagascar’s LEAD Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Senegal to the distributor. The World Bank granted Madagascar $150 and Guinea. This will positively impact the million in funding to improve the population’s lives of over 200,000 underserved people in AfDB Initiates Studies on access to electricity. These funds, which have these countries. Electricity Cooperative been allocated through the International Models in Nigeria and Ethiopia Development Association (IDA), will The investment will apply to customers across The AfDB initiated feasibility studies to support the implementation of the Lower BBOXX’s distribution mix, unlocking potential evaluate the potential of implementing Cost Access to Electricity Services in households, communities and SMEs across electricity cooperative business models in Project (LEAD). both rural and urban regions. BBOXX is Nigeria and Ethiopia. 32 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

“This study is timely and aligned with the will play a pivotal role in steering the next bank’s New Deal for Energy in Africa. We phase of strategy and growth for General look forward to working with the National Electric in East African markets, excluding Rural Electric Cooperative Association Ethiopia which shall continue to be led by (NRECA) International to execute the study, Daniel Hailu, CEO, GE Ethiopia. and to leverage its extensive experience in electricity cooperative business models to pave Based in Nairobi, Brenda will lead the the way for the implementation of development of diverse programs with public

transformational projects across Africa,” said and private sector projects and partnerships Source: GE Brenda Mbathi Batchi Baldeh, Director of the AfDB’s Power across East Africa. System Development. look forward to working with our business Brenda joined General Electric in 2015 and leaders, team of dedicated and talented Requiring three months, the study will be brings on board more than 27 years of colleagues, as well as our trade partners, to funded by the South-South Cooperation Trust experience in government affairs, CSR and ensure GE’s continued growth and success in Fund and conducted by NRECA International corporate relations. In addition to her role as the market,” Mbathi said. and will examine regulatory, legal, technical Government Affairs Director, Brenda leads and socioeconomic factors that impact the Corporate Social Responsibility for sub- Partnership with governments and local creation of electrification cooperatives in the Saharan Africa, including implementing a companies form a very important part of GE’s two countries. OneGE strategy under the “Kujenga” brand growth in East Africa and across the continent. for CSR. Brenda will be a part of the Africa Through these collaborations, GE has made GE Appoints New East Africa CEO Leadership Team. significant investments to develop infrastructure General Electric announced the appointment projects, including sustainable energy solutions, of Brenda Mbathi as the Chief Executive “I am very excited to be leading General provide efficient and reliable transportation as Officer for East Africa. In her role, Brenda Electric’s regional growth in East Africa and well as improve access to quality healthcare.

26 Alternative Energy Africa Magazine March/April 2019 Conferences View news items in their entirety at www.AE-Africa.com

May 2019

08-10 5th Africa Mini Grids Summit 2019 Nairobi, Kenya www.africaminigrids.com

14-16 World Hydropower Congress 2019 Paris, France www.congress.hydropower.org

3rd Liberia International Mining, Energy and Petroleum 15-16 Monrovia, Libya www.ametrade.org Conference & Exhibition

22-23 3rd Edition Smart Solar PV Forum - Data Analytics and IoT San Diego, USA www.bisgrp.com

23-25 2nd Solar Africa 2019, Rwanda Kigali, Rwanda www.expogr.com

28-29 4th Annual Offshore Wind Operations & Maintenance Forum Hamburg, Germany www.bisgrp.com

28-29 7th Edition Wind Power Big Data and IoT Forum Houston, Texas www.bisgrp.com June 2019

04-05 8th Edition Wind Power Big Data and IoT Forum Berlin, Germany www.bisgrp.com

11-14 Africa Energy Forum Lisbon, Portugal www.africa-energy-forum.com

12-13 7th Edition Hydropower Plant Digitalization Forum Seattle, USA www.bisgrp.com

Asset Optimization and Data Analytics for Power Network 19-20 Berlin, Germany www.bisgrp.com System Operators

26-27 8th Edition Hydropower Plant Digitalization Forum Vienna, Austria www.bisgrp.com September 2019

24-26 Power Nigeria 2019 Lagos, Nigeria www.power-nigeria.com October 2019

16-17 Renewable Energy Cyber Security Forum Berlin, Germany www.bisgrp.com

Please check with organizers directly to confirm information as dates and venues are subject to change.