Orange outlines plan to lead solar solution deployment in MEA
Africa
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11 May 2021
Orange says it is accelerating its solar projects in Africa and the Middle East to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2040.
According to the French telecommunications firm across the entire region, many sites are not connected to the electricity grid and when they are, the quality of the grid often requires alternative backup solutions.
To avoid using generators that run on fuel (fossil energy that emits CO2), Orange is putting in place several initiatives such as solar panels.
The company plans to deploy solar solutions and new generation batteries in conjunction with energy partners in several of its subsidiaries.
It pins its renewable energy use rate at over 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange Madagascar and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone.
A statement released by the telco reads: “These solar panel solutions have also been or will soon be deployed in other African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, for instance, where 75% of Orange's telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million litres of fuel each year.”
“Furthermore, in Jordan, Orange has launched three solar farms to switch to clean and renewable energy helping to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2020, these solar farm projects covered over 65% of Orange Jordan’s energy needs. Since 2018, the company has successfully reduced its CO2 emissions by 45 kilotons thanks to this solar infrastructure.”
Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa said: “We are proud to be the first company by number of solar panels in five countries in Africa and the Middle East. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025. We are aiming for net zero carbon by 2040."
Orange is present in 18 countries in MEA and has around 130 million customers as at March 31, 2021. With €5.8 billion in turnover in 2020, Orange MEA is the Group’s main growth region.